Nicole Weller, head teaching professional at the Arnold Palmer-designed Landings Club on Skidaway Island near Savannah, GA, has embarked on a unique instructional exercise—publishing a book designed to introduce the game to the youngest of juniors, aged 4 to 8.

Stick to Sports: Let’s Play Golf, a 48-page activity book, was released on June 23 and is available through sticktosports.com as well as at The Landings Club and other stores in the Savannah area.

“I’m really excited to see this project come to fruition,” said Weller (nee Dorthe), a Rolex Junior All-American who herself took up the game at the age of four, won the Massachusetts State High School Girls Championship during her senior year, and went on to play four years of collegiate golf at Mr. Palmer’s alma mater Wake Forest University. “The goal of the book is to introduce young boys and girls to the game, and to help their teachers—whether it be coaches, parents or grandparents—provide reward systems to make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

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The book uses points and reward stickers to commemorate new levels attained by the children learning the game. Weller, who earned her Masters degree from the University of Tennessee with a thesis on “Mental Skills Interventions for Young Golfers,” has incorporated kid-friendly games to help young golfers learn the game and have fun all at the same time. The Gum Check Game is one such example: “When you finish your swing and freeze, have someone check that there isn’t any gum on the bottom of your back shoe!” Weller says this promotes proper weight shift toward the target by rotating the back foot up on its toe.

PGA of America member Weller has also included sections on the history and origins of the game, how to keep score, important rules, manners, safety tips and on-course games, plus the importance of having the proper equipment. She also has written an easy-to-follow teaching plan to help mentors stay on course and provide a logical introduction to the game.

Solheim Cup player Laura Diaz, winner of more than $5 million since debuting on the LPGA Tour in 1999, says:  “It’s obvious Nicole has a very clear understanding of children, their imaginations and learning needs.”

The book is priced at $12.95 (U.S. and Canada), plus shipping. Quantity discounts are available for orders of 5 or more copies.