Golf Camp Kicks Off Epstein’s Summer

It’s not surprising that after his coaching duties at Birmingham High were completed this spring, Alan Epstein decided to spend his summer on the golf course.

What is surprising is how he’s spending it--driving a golf cart around hill-strewn Scholl Canyon Golf Course in Glendale, shepherding a group of 25 young novice golfers, encouraging some to exercise a proper swing, shouting at others to exercise proper etiquette and making sure divots and ball marks are properly placed.

It’s all part of his duties as combination coach/counselor/chauffeur for Fairways Golf Camp, which Epstein originated in April with the help of California Summer Camps. The camp operates in two-week sessions at Scholl and Balboa Golf Course in Encino. Golf pros, including Patty Lynn, Al Adrian and Gene Dardin provide their expertise.

Perhaps most surprising is how much Epstein enjoys the camp--more than if he were golfing himself.

“It’s really been a tremendous experience,” said Epstein, who co-coaches the Birmingham football team and coached golf there for 15 years. “I was always looking for a good summer job. This one fits perfect for my needs. I have a golf club in my hands every day.”

So do Epstein’s happy campers, who range in age from 7 to 17. Their enthusiasm for learning carries beyond the standard round--sometimes into a few unauthorized extra holes.

“Somebody told me when I started this camp that there was no way these kids were going to stay enthused from nine until three every day,” Epstein said. “I said ‘baloney.’ ”

Epstein, in fact, can’t get them off the course. After monitoring a round at Scholl, Epstein tried to get the youngsters to board the bus for the ride home. But when some of the golfers, armed with irons, darted past him and back onto the course, Epstein was persuaded to remain half an hour longer.

Epstein remembers being told the hardest thing to do in sports is to successfully hit a golf ball.

“I believe that,” he said. “The key ingredients are the grip and the set-up. We start with that.”

The youngsters pick it up from there with surprising results.

“It’s unbelievable,” Epstein said. “We’ve had kids out here who have never touched a golf club before and they’ve done great. I had a kid last session who shot a 79 at Balboa. And he isn’t the best. Our best kid shot an 80, but had an off-day.”

After corralling everyone into the 19th hole--the bus--Epstein heads for football practice at Birmingham to prepare for the upcoming season. Similarities between golf and football do exist, Epstein insisted.

“Sometimes golf is frustrating,” Epstein said. “But you have to keep your poise. Like if you’re a defensive back and a guy catches a pass over your head. You can’t go crazy about it. You have to recover and keep your chin up.”