The Family That Plays Together

When Claude Hooton decided to learn the game of golf, he never expected his daughters — Libby, Courtney and Chloe Bell — would become the golfers and he would become the caddie. Now well-respected members of the junior golf circuit, the girls have far exceeded any expectations their father had when he first introduced his family to the game. The Hooton family believes hitting the links together has provided numerous opportunities for quality family time. Play Golf America’s family golf initiatives, designed to introduce the game of golf in a fun atmosphere to all ages, provide such opportunities throughout the year as well as during Family Golf Month in July. “When I entered the corporate world, I thought it would be a good idea to learn how to play golf,” said Claude Hooton, president of PMB Real Estate Services in San Diego, Calif. However, on a flight home from a family vacation, Claude decided it might be too difficult to balance his professional responsibilities, golf lessons and family. “The inflight magazine had an article about how Tiger Woods played his first tournament when he was four. So, I decided to introduce my daughters to the game, as I learned to play.” At that time, the eldest daughter, Libby, was four years old. Claude and his wife, Michelle, who currently live with their daughters in Del Mar, Calif., began gradually introducing the game to their household with plastic golf clubs and whiffle balls. “I would take them with me to the golf course, and they would hit a ball, play in the sand, chase the ducks around the golf course and just have fun,” he said. “I eventually had to stop playing, so I could corral them. I still haven’t learned to play well, but I am a good caddie.” The girls’ grandparents also got in on the act. “When the girls were little, and even now, we all go out and play together,” he said. “Golf is a cross-generational game that you can play even as you get well into the later part of your life.” The time spent on the course has also enabled the family to develop a strong bond. “How often do you get five hours alone with teenage daughters with no awkward moments of conversation? Not many,” said Claude. Hooton’s daughters developed a dedication to the game at an early age and began competing in tournaments through the San Diego Junior Golf Association. Over the years, each girl has garnered a number of accolades. Furthermore, as his daughters have continued to thrive in the sport, the girls all believe what they have experienced through golf will enable them to succeed in life, whether they apply the lessons learned to educational endeavors, continue to compete in tournaments, or simply utilize the golf skills acquired as a networking tool in their professional lives. The eldest Hooton girl, Libby, 18, has won over 30 tournaments during her career. She ranked fourth at the 2009 U.S. Kids Golf Teen World Championships (15-18 age category) and was named the 2007 JC Resorts Player of the Year (girls 15-17 age category). “Originally, I just enjoyed spending time with my dad,” said Libby. “After he introduced us to the junior competitive golf circuit, we really got motivated to practice and keep with it.” She has also enjoyed the number of experiences the game has afforded, including meeting Arnold Palmer. Moreover, she credits the game for the life lessons she has learned through the years. “The game has also taught us integrity. You have to motivate yourself. You control your score. If you miss a putt, it’s on you. This game is definitely about what you put into it.” Libby will go on to play for the University of Pennsylvania Women’s Golf Team this fall. Courtney, 15, has been the San Diego Junior Golf Player of the Year for her age class since 2002. She placed in the top four at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. Courtney has also qualified to play in the Callaway Junior World Golf Tournament 10 times, more than any female player in the 41-year history of the event. Courtney said she inherited her desire to compete from her dad. “My competitive spirit pushes me to work hard and have a strong desire to win and do my very best,” said Courtney. This summer, she has embarked on a tour with the American Junior Golf Association and is now fully exempt for next summer. However, Courtney’s discipline for the game of golf has done more than help her on the fairway. “The dedication I have for the game has transferred to noncompetitive aspects of my life, such as studying for a test,” she said. “I get into that mode and attribute getting an ‘A’ on the test to shooting a 72 on the golf course.” She is grateful for the opportunities she has received through golf and hopes to continue to play golf in college. At age 12, Chloe Bell, the youngest Hooton girl, has garnered accolades such as second place in the 2005 Callaway Junior World tournament, third place in the individual competition and first in the team events at the 2005 U.S. Kids Golf Junior World Championship, and was the San Diego Junior Golf player of the year for her age group from 2003-2005. She played her first 18-hole game at age 3 and won her first tournament just two weeks after her fifth birthday. “I got started because all of my sisters, my dad and my grandparents golfed,” she said. “I love to play with my family and have fun, and I love the competition part of it. You get to play with your friends, talk about stuff and play golf at the same time. It’s great.” She is also grateful for the lessons the game has taught her. “Golf has helped me with responsibility. I am responsible for my actions on the golf course and off.” Kip Puterbaugh, PGA Professional and director of instruction at Aviara Golf Academy in Carlsbad, Calif., has known the Hooton girls for almost five years. While he is currently working one-on-one with Courtney, he has witnessed the growth all of the girls have undergone. “This sport does have a certain honor to it, and it does help in a child’s development,” said Puterbaugh. “It allows the kids to focus on something good and healthy, and if you can play as a family, all the better.” One experience all three girls are equally grateful for is the establishment of Golfer Girl magazine. The publication came to fruition one night as the family watched The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. The winning team was a husband and wife that produced a fitness magazine. Claude casually mentioned that his daughters should start a golf magazine for girls. “Next thing I know, Courtney was upstairs working on fashion, Libby was editor-in-chief, and we were starting the magazine.” At its peak, the magazine boasted a circulation of 10,000. The project became a family affair, with each member of the Hooton family contributing, whether through writing, organizing fashion shoots or preparing magazines to be mailed. “We wanted to expand the community of junior girl golfers,” he said. “And provide an outlet for junior golfers to connect with one another.” A number of talented people volunteered to help produce Golfer Girl. The advisory committee for the publication included Nancy Berkley, Suzy Whaley and Karen Moraghan. “They volunteered their time to support the growth of girls golf, and we couldn’t have done it without their help,” said Claude. While all of the girls have enjoyed working on the magazine, none of them currently plan to pursue a career in publishing. Their father, however, feels they learned valuable lessons from the experience that will help them later in life. “There was a crossover between the magazine and golf in that if you want something, you have to work hard for it,” said Claude. “To win a tournament takes practice and hard work, the same running a magazine. For these things to happen for our children, it has been a very rewarding experience as a parent.” Above all, the Hooton family agrees that golf has been a driving force in their lives, and they want to encourage other families to get involved in the game. “This game provides a great venue to spend time with our entire family,” said Courtney. “One of the great things about golf is that you can play with all ages and everyone can enjoy a healthy, athletic and fun activity, whether you choose to compete in tournaments or not.” The Hootons are just one example of how a family can benefit from playing golf together. For more information regarding the fun and affordable family golf programs available in your area during Family Golf Month in July and throughout the remainder of the year, please visit PlayGolfAmerica.com.