Arlington Golf instructor Amanda McCurdy has received honorable mention recognition from U.S. Kids Golf for its annual Top 50 Kids Teacher Award. The Award recognizes the world's most outstanding youth golf instructors, and McCurdy is part of a select group that earned honorable mention accolades among more than 500 applicants.

Since 2004, U.S. Kids Golf has honored the best youth golf teachers with the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award. Applicants complete an online survey and winners are chosen based on their contributions to youth golf, such as: experience young golfers; time devoted to teaching youth; innovation, creativity and fun in their programs; communication; parental involvement; use of a well-organized instruction program and overall effort to grow the game.

McCurdy and the golf division have unveiled a SNAG® (Starting New at Golf) instructional program for junior golfers ages 4-8, coming later this Spring. The program contains all the elements of golf, but utilizes modified equipment and specialized teaching methods to deliver great results for beginning golfers. Classes will be taught at Meadowbrook Park Recreation Center (Feb. 7-28), Tierra Verde Golf Club (Mar 7-28, Apr 5-26 and Apr 7-28) and Chester Ditto Golf Course (Apr 4-25). For more information and to register, call 817-478-8500.

"We are thrilled that Amanda has been recognized by U.S. Kids Golf for her efforts in both bringing first-time participants to the sport and also strengthening junior golf within Arlington," said Greg Durante, golf services manager. "Her enthusiastic spirit and approach to golf instruction has provided a fun and inviting opportunity for players of all ages and ability levels to enjoy the game of golf more."

McCurdy also organizes Arlington's Hooked on Golf program for juniors and adults and is a camp instructor at both Tierra Verde Golf Club and Chester Ditto Golf Course. When she is not teaching group camps and clinics, you can find McCurdy behind the Pro Shop counter at one of the Arlington Golf courses, or teaching private lessons. The Top 50 Kids Teachers of 2014 includes golf professionals from 22 states, Canada and Costa Rica. Each year, award recipients include teachers who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

"The teachers and coaches who win this award play an important part in our corporate mission to make the game of golf for kids," said Dan Van Horn, President and CEO of U.S. Kids Golf. "Our goal in recognizing these youth golf coaches is to both recognize their accomplishments and also to help parents find quality golf instruction for their kids."