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517 yards. The course touts 15-inch holes in addition to the traditional 4-1/4-inch holes. They also offer free golf to age 12 and under who play with an adult.

Tips for getting started

– Those who have not golfed before can begin at the driving range. It is an inexpensive way to get started, have fun and practice hitting the ball.

– If you have not golfed before, be sure to hit the course with a friend or family member who has. It is a great way to learn the safety and etiquette of being on a course.

– Though Meadowlark Country Club does not have lessons available, golf professionals do host lessons at area courses. Often times, older members are happy to share tips with those new to the game.

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All ages and ability levels are getting involved

Nietfeld often stops parents and grandparents as they are heading onto the course, kids in tow to come along for the ride, and hands the kids a set of clubs and welcomes them to play.

BY SARAH COLBURN | STAFF WRITER

BY SARAH OLBURNCO S

The people at Meadowlark Country Club in Melrose do not simply talk about their commitment to raising the next generation of golfers, it shows in every hole on the course.

Jonathan Nietfeld is the club manager and a social studies teacher at Melrose High School. When he is not in a classroom, he can most often be found at the course. Though the course offers traditional play, it is also designed to encourage kids to give golf a try.

“We’ve been around since 1962, and we understand that people who started the club wanted to get their kids involved,” Nietfeld said.

“In order to get that going through generations, we have to keep them involved no matter the age. The majority of people understand the importance of having future members of the club.”

At Meadowlark Country Club, the orange tee boxes for kids are anywhere from 55 to 186 yards from the hole rather than the traditional 154 to

Nietfeld has clubs for 5-year-olds and clubs for 12-year-olds, and putters for kids who want to focus on the greens.

“It’s just important to be out there and hit a few,” Nietfeld said. “Getting the youth involved has always been a focus. It’s kind of fun to see.”

The first person ever inducted to the club’s hall of fame was Henry Loxtercamp, who introduced the game to his grandson decades ago. That grandson, Terry Braegelmann, now in his 50s, is also in the club’s hall of fame.

“It just shows the history and the importance of getting generation after generation involved and it’s come to fruition,” Nietfeld said.

A decade ago, when the club put in the orange tees for youth that also serve as a par 3 for adults, they created score cards for kids.

“Ultimately, we wanted to have kids be able to tee off closer to the green so they can play the full hole and not be rushed to pick up their ball when their parents are done,” Nietfeld said. “Kids can play a hole just like their parents or grandparents play.”

The tee boxes and larger holes all help kids succeed next to the adults, Nietfeld said.

“It just feels good,” Nietfeld said. … “It helps kids tee off and complete the entire hole and keep on pace of the course.” Nietfeld said the idea has benefited all generations.

“It’s just as much of a joy for the parent or grandparent,” he said. “They gain great joy in being able to bring their grandchildren out to have fun with them on the course and get them to understand the rules of golf and the etiquette of golf and have fun with the game.”

Nietfeld and club leaders encourage the teaching and learning experience.

In years past, the club has offered a week-long summer camp. While Nietfeld anticipates that may be a possibility this year, a new head coach is joining the staff and will ultimately make the decision.

Through the years, Nietfeld said he has seen a positive change on the golf course.

“It’s more of a social event as well as a competitive event,” he said. “It used to be a lot more intimidating and less welcoming.”

Nietfeld said the game has changed for adults, too, as clubs have added more scrambles and stroke play, allowing people of all ages and ability levels to become involved.

“You don’t have to be a good golfer to enjoy the game of golf,” he said. “It’s just being outside and enjoying nature and being away from screens for a while.”