U.S. Kids Golf, a youth golf equipment provider, has named Tuscawilla Country Club head golf professional Carolyn McKenzie Andrews one of America’s “Top 50 Kids Teachers” for 2007. This is the second time in three years that McKenzie Andrews has been an honoree, and she is the only private country club golf professional in the state of Florida to be recognized.
The 2007 list includes teachers from over 20 states who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses. According to U.S. Kids Golf, these elite professionals were chosen for their dedication to developing youth golf in their communities and their overall excellence and commitment to serving youth.
“Being named a Top 50 Kids Teacher again means a great deal to me, and it is especially gratifying to be recognized for doing something I love so much,” says McKenzie Andrews, who has been teaching kids for over 15 years.
Golf is certainly in her blood. McKenzie Andrews grew up at a country club where her father was head golf professional, and she was able to participate in his junior golf programs throughout her childhood. It was there that she first developed a passion for helping kids play the game.
McKenzie Andrews has racked up a great number of success stories, but she feels that teaching is more than just helping kids develop perfect swings.
“What really makes me smile is seeing the confidence and self-esteem that grows within a child because of improvements in his or her golf game,” says McKenzie Andrews.
With McKenzie Andrews at the helm, Tuscawilla Country Club offers a comprehensive junior golf program. In addition to year-round lessons and clinics, during the summer Tuscawilla Country Club offers intensive weekly camps that include 30 hours of instruction as well as a tournament series. Non-member rates are available for all phases of the club’s junior program.
Most recently, McKenzie Andrews garnered national publicity when she introduced the Healthy Kids Golf program, a unique series of clinics that not only teaches kids the game of golf but also provides them informal instruction on the importance of developing a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
“If this clinic can inspire a kid to pick up a golf club instead of a video game controller or a cell phone, then we are growing the game of golf and doing our part to encourage kids to engage in healthy, outdoor activities,” says McKenzie Andrews.
“Carolyn is a pro’s pro," says Tuscawilla Country Club general manager Brian Matt." She is a model in the community of Winter Springs and is respected by leading golf professionals throughout the state. Carolyn has the ability to balance the keen insights of teaching golfers of all ages, and her dedication to children is highly commendable.”
For information on how to become a member of Tuscawilla Country Club, call 407-366-1851. To sign up for golf lessons or to learn more about the club’s golf program, contact the pro shop at 407-365-3259.