“THE 2nd TEE”
DEVELOPEMENTAL JUNIOR GOLFER “FOSTER” PROGRAM
John Ronis, PGA
Executive Director of Instruction
River Creek Club
Leesburg, VA
PURPOSE
Currently the PGA Tour has two African American members. The PGA of America and many other organizations have worked extremely hard to create opportunities for minority and underserved children to be exposed to the game and the culture of golf. I believe many of these programs have succeeded in introducing, and exposing a number of our inner city, and underprivileged youth to this great game. However, I believe that after the introduction stage there is still a vast lack of development of those individuals who show some promise, but do not have the means or exposure to develop their skills past the clinic stage offered through these programs. We have failed to develop these individuals past the introduction stage, and therefore their interest and means of pursuit dwindles into their teens. My goal is to develop, “foster” and nurture both physically and financially those players who have begun to separate themselves from their peers. The PGA Professional is the most qualified person to “foster” these children to become better players and eventual ambassadors for the game of golf. The program will be a choreographed act between the local developmental organizations, the PGA of America, and the PGA Professionals to institute a program which will take the young promising youth to a level of play that they would otherwise not have the means to achieve.
HOW IT WORKS
The PGA Professional will submit their “foster” requests with their reasons of why they are qualified to become a “foster” professional. The Professional will state a game plan for development, mentoring and exposure for their “foster” youth golfer. The qualified, youth will first be recommended by a local organization like the “First Tee”. The youth will go through an essay process as well, and a committee will select both the youth player and the Professional mentor. After the two are matched through this process the PGA Professional will “foster” the youth by supplying them lessons weekly, a place to play, and any necessary equipment needed to develop. They will also provide them financial assistance for entrance fees for tournaments if applicable. The youth golfer will maintain a grade point average, fulfill all household responsibilities and may be asked to help out at their sponsored facility.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PGA PROFESSIONAL
1. The PGA Professional will give weekly lessons to the youth free of charge
2. The PGA Professional will supply the youth with any necessary equipment required to develop their game.
3. The PGA Professional will Purchase or provide a yearly pass for the youth to play for the golf season which is convenient for the youth.
4. Through the MAPGA the Professional will be able to receive financial aid in the form of sponsors, and donations.
5. The PGA Professional will provide nonprofessional counseling and other off the course assistance if needed
6. The PGA Professional will commit to a two year “contract” with the youth golfer.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE “FOSTERED” YOUTH
1. The selected youth will have transportation to the sponsored facility
2. The youth will be respectful, be properly dressed, and follow all rules set forth by the sponsored facility.
3. The youth will maintain a C or better grade point average.
4. The youth will uphold all family, and religious responsibilities at home
5. The youth may be required to help out at times at the sponsoring facility
6. The youth will be required to write an essay each November expressing the highlights, achievements, and learning over the past year
GOALS
1. Have at least five PGA Professionals and Youth players in year one.
2. Have at least 25 PGA Professionals and Youth players by year five.
3. Create a program that will be the basis of a national “Fostering“ program.
4. To have a local and eventual national tournament for those participating in this program.
5. To Expose the PGA Professionals on a National Level for their charity work with this program.
6. To provide the opportunity to develop minority players to play high school, college, and maybe professional golf.
7. To develop youth golfers so that they will eventually provide the same mentorship to underprivileged youth when they become adults
8. To develop more African American and other minority PGA Professionals
IT’S TIME!
For many of us, the game of golf has been the focal point of our lives for a long time. Whether it was a career as a collegiate player, playing as an amateur or professional or for some of us as PGA Professionals, golf has brought us experiences that will be cherished for years to come. It’s time to give back to those less fortunate to allow them the OPPORTUNITY to work hard to achieve these same goals, and create these same memories. I believe the PGA Professional is the most qualified person to make this dream a reality. However, we will need the help of the entire golf community to make a change. I hope we can all look back in twenty years and say we did what we could to provide a pathway to success through the game of golf, and all that golf mirrors in life. I hope you will join me on this journey.
John
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