County helps young golfers get out onto local greens
It's all about junior golf at theMonmouth County Park System this year. The park system, which includes Charleston SpringsGolfCourse inMillstone, is offering a host of new tournaments and pricing specials for junior golfers, according to a press release from the Monmouth County Park System.

OnWednesday,April 30, the park system will hostMonmouth County's first-everGirls High School Tournament at the Charleston Springs Golf Course. This tournament mirrors the county's growing number of young female golfers.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Compton said in the press release, "We are honored to host this milestone event."

The park system expects more than 20 girls ages 14-18 fromarea high school teams to compete in the tournament.

Golf Facilities Manager Alan Roberts said in the press release, "We look forward to expanding opportunities for female golfers in the years ahead."

The park system will also host the Monmouth County JuniorAmateur Tournament June 26-27 at the Howell Park Golf Course inHowell.Open to boys and girls ages 15-18, this event offers a tournament-style challenge for thosewho aren't yet ready to play in the "big league."

Competitions like the amateur tourney encourage young golfers tomaster the basics of tournament play and to hone their skills against their peers.

The park systemalso hosts aYouth Tournament for 7-15 year olds in August at Bel- Aire Golf Course inWall.

Changes to the county greens and golf lesson fees for juniors in 2008 may offer the greatest incentive for young golfers to get out on the greens. The maximum age to qualify for junior rates has been raised from18 to 20.

The park systemhas reduced the Junior IDcard fee. Juniors previously paid the adult rate. The park system has also reduced weekend greens fees at Howell Park and Shark RiverGolf Courses after 2 p.m. (in addition to discount junior rates already available atBel-Aire and PineBrook). The system is also offering reduced rates for private golf lessons (individual and 5-lesson packages) for youths age 6-15.

For more information, junior golfers are encouraged to visit the county courses online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com.