Families in general and children in particular are the focus of a new program at Wakefield Valley Golf Club in Westminster.

Under the plan to start April 1, a child (10-17 years of age) accompanied by a parent paying the regular rate will be admitted free of charge during weekday twilight golf.

"With this plan, we hope to address these two areas that are of critical concern," said Hank Majewski, director of golf at Wakefield Valley.

"Overall, there is genuine concern for the family structure, and there is no doubt parents should spend more time with their children. As for golf, the PGA of America is concerned about the lack of access for children to the sport.

"We put on junior clinics, encourage participation, and then turn the kids loose with no real place to play," Majewski said. "A lot of them can't afford it, they have to take their chances with starting times, and then are intimidated by the adult players."

Club membership is not a requisite to participate. However, participants are expected to have some playing ability.