COLUMBIA - Columbia's John Merideth and his 8-year-old daughter Ellie practiced their putts before beginning to play in the Show-Me State Games par 3 parent/child scramble Sunday at Perche Creek Golf Club.
"Keep your arms straight on the short putt," Merideth said. "Not as big of a swing, try a short swing."
Ellie said she working on her "million dollar putt."
Merideth said he enjoys teaching Ellie how to play the game when he spends time with her on the course. He said he tries to teach her how to get a good grip and stance with the golf club, so she feels natural when she swings and makes shots.
They also played in last year's tournament. But by the sixth hole Ellie got tired, and Merideth said he was worried she wouldn't get through 18 holes. On the next hole, though, Ellie hit a chip shot, and the ball landed near the hole. The good shot energized her, and she played all of the remaining holes.
Ellie said she enjoyed working out her arms and walking around the course with her father for exercise.
"I get time to spend with my father," she said.
Many other families took the opportunity to spend some time together.
Jefferson City's James Shelton and his 12-year-old son Ross just started playing together.
"I've been waiting a long time to be able to play with him," Shelton said.
The Sheltons played together for the first time two weeks ago in the Show-Me State Games tournament at A.L. Gustin Golf Course.
"We used six of my drives out of the nine drives for the game," Ross said.