Junior golfers can knock a few strokes off their scorecards

Junior golfers can knock a few strokes off their scorecards after a summer of play, practice and competition.

Junior golf programs and camps begin the first week of June in Polk County. Many local courses have junior programs and clinics during the summer for boys and girls 6 to 18 years old.

Whether junior golfers are just learning or refining their swings, proper instruction is needed to make sure they're working on the right things.

The Junior Citrus Program at Cleveland Heights in June and July is the longest-running program in the county, ending with the Junior Citrus Open tournament.

PGA Professional Bob Schade is conducting a summer program at Cypresswood Golf and Country Club in Winter Haven from June 1 to Aug. 15.

The Florida Southern Moccasin Golf Camp at Lone Palm in mid-June draws many local juniors 11-18.

The First Tee of Lakeland has weekly summer camps for boys and girls 8-18 starting June 14.

And the MidFlorida Junior Golf Tour holds tournaments on Central Florida courses. The second of 11 tournaments is Saturday at River Greens in Avon Park, with events through August.

In addition to the Junior Citrus Open, the Bagwell Invitational June 5-6 at Avon Park and the Youth Villa Junior Tournament at Bartow June 19-20 are also major tournaments for junior players around Central Florida.

For junior programs not listed below, check with your local club pro.