TULALIP — The Arlington Boys and Girls Club put on its annual summer golf camp for nine-to-14 year olds “to play and learn a little bit about golf.”

Ten kids signed up to “understand the basics of golf so they can go out on the course with their parents,” and keep at it, organizer Kevin Coghill said.

“And learn how to do things the right way.”

For four days, kids traveled to different golf courses from Arlington to Mount Vernon to learn the skills of golf, including grip, stance, the clubs and the technique in swings.

“The first thing is to let them have fun,” Coghill said.

“If they don’t have fun they won’t keep playing.”

They concluded their final camp at Battle Creek Golf Course in Tulalip July 28.

Coghill, who works at Arlington’s B&GC, is also a coach for Arlington High School’s golf team.

He’s headed summer camps for the club for the last five years.

Coghill likes introducing golf to kids as a means to encourage them to try many other sports.

And if they end up liking it, it’s all the better, he said.

“I recommend kids to play lots of sports,” and break the habit of playing just one sport.

“If they play a lot of sports, they’re just better off,” he said.

Though golf may not be for everyone, the patience and discipline is worth it.

“Some kids take to golf pretty well,” Coghill said.

Emma Thompson, 10, was one of those kids.

She was the only girl signed up, but enjoyed her time learning the fundamentals of golf and ultimately “getting the ball in the hole.”

She wants to be like her grandpa, Tom, who treats golf like his work, she said.

She’s played other sports like softball, but unlike softball she doesn’t have to worry about getting hit in the head with the ball in golf, she said.

“It’s tough for really athletic kids who like a faster-paced sport,” Coghill said.

“You get some kids who are beginners that give it a try, they either like it or they won’t.”

Luke Carlson, 13, an athletic kid who’s played other sports was an exception.

He’s swung a club before, but improved his skills and learned even more about the game.

“Now I know the proper clubs and how to focus on your swing,” he said.

What he likes about golf is that “it’s a little more relaxing but still pushes you to be better,” he said.

Reese McBride, 9, has played before with his dad, but also joined the camp to sharpen his skills.

He also thinks it’s relaxing.

“I just like all the walking,” he said.