Blake Sharamitaro, PGA,Director of Golf,Family Golf & Learning Center,St. Louis, Missouri
Many family golf events struggle with the same challenge: finding the sweet spot between meaningful moments and a manageable time commitment.
At Family Golf & Learning Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Director of Golf Blake Sharamitaro, PGA, believes nine hole Parent-Child Scrambles may be the perfect answer.
What began as a way to give PGA Jr. League parents an opportunity to play alongside their children has evolved into one of the facility’s most popular programs. Years later, the monthly Parent-Child Scrambles continue to sell out.
“We originally started them so parents could experience the game with their kids,” says Sharamitaro. “The response was so strong that we opened it up to the entire public.”
The format is intentionally simple. Any adult-junior combination is welcome, whether that means parents, grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles or family friends. Participants play a nine-hole scramble in a shotgun-start format, creating a fun, low-pressure environment that appeals to golfers of all skill levels.
Some families even register multiple teams.
“We’ve had parents sign up twice so they can play with two different kids in the same event,” Sharamitaro points out.
A large part of what makes the program work so well is the hard work of PGA of America Assistant Professional Liam Durbin, who helps both organize and operate the outings.
“We couldn’t get these done with the frequency and efficiency without Liam,” adds Sharamitaro. “He gets a lot of praise from our management and the participants. He does a great job.”
By limiting the event to nine holes, rounds are completed in approximately 90 minutes, making participation realistic for busy families who might not have time for a traditional tournament experience.
“That’s one of the biggest selling points,” Sharamitaro says. “Parents can fit it into their schedule and still get the full tournament feel.”
With a $50 entry fee and consistent sellouts, the events provide reliable revenue while creating additional activity throughout the facility. Prize presentations generate energy in the restaurant afterward, and merchandise prizes for both adults and juniors add to the excitement.
Seasonal variations have also helped keep the concept fresh. A Halloween-themed scramble (pictured), complete with costumes, has become one of the facility’s most anticipated annual events and a favorite way to close out the fall season.
But Sharamitaro believes the real value extends beyond revenue.
“These events give parents a chance to see how their kids’ games are progressing,” he says. “It becomes a benchmark for their development.”
