Mundelein students tee off on last day of summer

Mundelein High School students took to the driving range at Countryside Golf Course on Tuesday to mark the last official day of summer.

In a joint program with the Lake County Forest Preserve, more than 250 students learned to golf from golf professional Alex Eichman as part of the school's physical education program.

"We are bringing kids out the whole week just to let them hit golf balls," said physical education teacher Brian Evans. "It's funny because a lot kids were saying, 'Do we have to walk out there because golf is stupid?' and walking back they were wanting to come out quicker tomorrow. I think it's catching on with the kids."

Eichman spent the first part of the class teaching students proper club grip, stance, rotation of the hips and safety issues. Later, he worked with individuals on their swing technique.

Students lined up on the driving range and began hitting the ball with various degrees of success. Some swung and missed, while others fired straight shots down the range.

"I think this is awesome. It is a really fun experience for us to do something new," said senior Ashley Nensel. "As a senior, I have never done this before."

This is the third year for a program that started by almost by accident after a teacher decided to drop into the Countryside pro shop to discuss the feasibility of students golfing.

The forest preserve thought it was a good fit, and the program was launched.