Golf and the Boy Scouts of America

And I thought playing the game was hard!

A buddy of mine, who is a Merit Badge Counselor and member of our towns' local troup committee, were out playing golf the other day enjoying our round when we got to talking about the types of badges you can get while in the Scouts.
That's when he told me that there is a Golf Merit Badge. He said he had the book, and that I could read it, but....ahh....like a true 21st century techno-man, I deferred and said "do they have a website address?"

He referred me to the site www.meritbadge.com which is the Pantheon of Scoutdom. Every merit badge-related resource is listed within its 500-page site.

Below, I have listed the complete requirements in attaining a Golf Merit Badge. Be advised...this is a pass/fail test....only a score of 100% gets a badge.

1. Discuss safety on the golf course. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while golfing, including heat reactions, dehydration, blisters, sprains, and strains.
2. Study the USGA Rules of Golf now in use.
a. Tell about the three categories of golf etiquette.
b. Show that you know about the definitions of golf terms.
c. Show that you understand the "Rules of Amateur Status."
3. Tell about your understanding of the USGA system of handicapping.
4. Do the following:
a. Tell about the early history of golf.
b. Describe its early years in the United States.
c. Tell about the accomplishments of a top golfer of your choice.
5. Discuss with your counselor vocational opportunities related to golf.
6. Do the following:
a. Tell how golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically.
b. Tell how a golf exercise plan can help you play better. Show two exercises that would improve your game.
7. Show the following:
a. The proper grip, stance, posture, and key fundamentals of a good swing.
b. The full wood shot, played from a tee.
c. The fairway wood shot.
d. The long iron shot.
e. The short iron shot.
f. The approach, chip-and-run, and pitch shots.
g. The sand iron shot, bunker, or heavy rough recovery shots.
h. A sound putting stroke
8. Play a minimum of two nine-hole rounds or one 18-hole round of golf with another golfer about your age and with your counselor, or an adult approved by your counselor. Do the following: :
a. Follow the "Rules of Golf".
b. Practice good golf etiquette.
c. Show respect to fellow golfers, committee, sponsor, and gallery.

source: BSA Advancement ID#: 59Source: Boy Scout Requirements, #33215, revised 2004

It's nice to know that the game of golf is admired and respected enough to get its own badge.
As I read this test, I realized that not only do these kids learn about the game of golf...but...indirectly they are getting life-knowledge that this great game so easily applies itself to.

Good on ya', Boy Scouts....good on ya', game of golf.


Thanks for reading, keep it in the short-grass,

JFB