School is finally out of session, something we felt might never happen after the long winter. Of course, how to keep a child busy during the summer is a question every parent ponders

On one hand, we all fondly remember the fun, carefree summer days of our youth. On the other, no parent wants their child to spend those days idly.

Golf has always marked the perfect solution. Enjoyable days spent under bright, blue skies, learning a game that they can enjoy for a lifetime.

Black Butte Ranch and its staff of golf professionals have always tried to make the golf as enjoyable as possible for kids. From kid-centered Thursday afternoons at Glaze Meadow, to special golf clinics designed specifically for young players, to discounted green fees, Black Butte Ranch wants summer to be a time to remember for junior golfers.

Special Rates

Before 1:30 p.m. at Big Meadow, golfers age 17 and under play for 50 percent off Black Butte Ranch’s regular green grees when accompanied by an adult. From 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. the rate falls to $27, and it’s $17 for a junior golfer to play after 4 p.m.

Families get a break, too. Two junior golfers and two adults can play together at Big Meadow after 4 p.m. for just $68 total.

“We want to make golf as accessible as possible for junior golfers and their families,” said Jeff Fought, director of golf at Black Butte Ranch. “Summer afternoons have become really fun with all the families that tee it up together.”

Book a tee time online, call 855-210-5305 or the Golf Shop at 541-595-1500.

Thursdays at Glaze Meadow

Beginning June 29, and held every Thursday through August, Glaze Meadow’s practice putting green will host the Junior Putting Challenge. The fun events will begin at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and include divisions for youngsters age 6- to 9-years-old (nine holes), 10-14 years old (18 holes) and 15-17 years old (18 holes).

Cost is just $5 and includes golf balls and an ice cream.

Immediately after, Black Butte Ranch will host SNAG Golf (Starting New At Golf). The FREE lesson introduces kids age 7 and older to golf by using fun, oversized equipment. SNAG Golf is scheduled from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. every Thursday at Glaze Meadow’s Driving Range, immediately following the Junior Putting Challenge.

Both weekly events have turned into a fun, summer tradition.

“Encouragement is the path to golf,” Fought said. “One of the easiest ways to do that is by making the game fun, light, and enjoyable.”

To enter a child or for more information, call 541-595-1270 or stop by the golf shop.

Lessons for a Lifetime

Summer can also be a time for learning, even if school books have long been put away.

Black Butte Ranch’s three-day junior camps, held every Monday through Wednesday through August (June 26-28, July 3, 5, and 6, July 10-12, July 17-19, July 24-26, Aug. 3-5, Aug. 10-12, Aug. 17-19, Aug. 24-26), are a great place for kids to sharpen all those golf skills. The Ranch tailors instruction to the age and abilities of each student, with a 1½-hour program for kids age 6 to 9 and a 2½-hour program for kids age 10 to 17.

Each class size is limited to 15 golfers, which allows for plenty of attention from Black Butte Ranch’s staff of golf professionals.

Of course, it might be fun for child and parent to improve together. For this, Black Butte Ranch has created the unique Adult/Child Three-Day Golf School. Held Monday through Wednesday — July 26-28, and Aug. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18 — the Adult Child Golf School includes two hours of instruction each from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for both parents and their children.

Learning the game together is a bonding experience like few others. And private lessons for both adults and juniors are always available.

To register for this or any other clinic call 541-595-1294 or visit BlackButteRanch.com/golf/lessons-and-instructions.