PASSING IT ON...
I n the spring of 1981, at the youthful age of forty eight, I asked Major George H. Thomas retired, U.S. Army, a businessman who loved golf, to teach me the game! George replied, "Sure, I'll teach you how to play. I'll even loan you a set of clubs and a bag to get started. However, you have to return this equipment when the season is over. "He invited me to a field, where for the first time I began to practice the game. My first real golf course was the Rockhill Country club on Long Island. I scored that an honest 144. Rockhill is also the first course that I broke 100 and shot a 92 four years later. During my learning period I would go to George's office and ask, "Do you have time today?" So often I observed the look of hopelessness, despair and anguish on George's face. However I knew that I could depend on him because he would smile even though it would be another dreadful day of "Stop peaking" "Why don't you just hit the ball". George was generous and patient with his time. In spite of my tortuous efforts, he continued to extend himself to help me. One day, after witnessing his antics, I made a promise. "George, if you teach me how to play golf, I will "PASS IT ON..."
George died in January of 1989. I planned to keep my promise by institutionalizing junior golf in our school districts.
Our first attempt was around 1986, when we tried to convince several school board to implement as part of the physical education curriculum.
Everyone thought it was a good idea but few school districts seriously embraced the junior golf program.
Unabated, we kept up the struggle for Junior Golf. We were convinced that only through institutionalization could we have an enduring golf program.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to a young man who has inspired the game of golf to all people.
After many years of our lack luster beginnings, Mr. Tiger Wood's excellence in the game of golf has allowed our focus to be reenergized.
He has opened a new wave of interest in golf for children and parents alike.
Our first attempt was around 1986, when we tried to convince several school board to implement as part of the physical education curriculum.
Everyone thought it was a good idea but few school districts seriously embraced the junior golf program.
Unabated, we kept up the struggle for Junior Golf. We were convinced that only through institutionalization could we have an enduring golf program.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to a young man who has inspired the game of golf to all people.
After many years of our lack luster beginnings, Mr. Tiger Wood's excellence in the game of golf has allowed our focus to be reenergized.
He has opened a new wave of interest in golf for children and parents alike.
In 1998, we started the Community Junior Golf Program which was designed to supply the young golfers with equipment that they otherwise might not be able to afford.
We checked out all of the used donated equipment, and place new grips to assure their safety.
Anew, we re-addressed the issues with school boards and school administrators, that we would supply this usable equipment at no charge for the student body. Hence we began in earnest to"PASSING IT ON".
Realizing that golfers had a lot of equipment to donate, we applied for and received our 501-C3 tax-exempt status.
Obviously, more people would donate their golf equipment if they could get a tax deduction.
We have pass along over 1000 golf clubs to several school districts. Yet, something was missing.
We could continue in this direction and supply the middle school and senior high schools with adequate golf clubs and balls.
We checked out all of the used donated equipment, and place new grips to assure their safety.
Anew, we re-addressed the issues with school boards and school administrators, that we would supply this usable equipment at no charge for the student body. Hence we began in earnest to"PASSING IT ON".
Realizing that golfers had a lot of equipment to donate, we applied for and received our 501-C3 tax-exempt status.
Obviously, more people would donate their golf equipment if they could get a tax deduction.
We have pass along over 1000 golf clubs to several school districts. Yet, something was missing.
We could continue in this direction and supply the middle school and senior high schools with adequate golf clubs and balls.
However, this is not how Tiger Woods started. Comparing Junior Golf to Little League Base Ball, Biddie Basketball and Midget Football, we had to begin the process of teaching the grammar school students the game of golf. Without abandoning the 12 through 18-years-olds, we began to focus on a process of teaching golf beginning at the age of 6, that is to say, first grade.
Obviously, we did not want to use abbreviated or altered version of adult equipment. Our only option was to purchase a golf clubs designed exclusively for children 5 through 9 and 9 through 12. Luckily, there are several manufacturers who make wonderful equipment for these youngsters.
This is where you the golfer, the observer, the supporter of youthful activities are requested to look closely at our program.
We want every child to have a opportunity to learn the game of golf.
They will be able to play this game well into their super senior years. Aside from playing the game, we know that golf builds character, develops honesty and self discipline as well as life long friendships and camaraderie. It is perfect for our youth regardless of race, creed, ethnicity or gender.
Finally, our goal is to assist communities and school districts in developing golf courses suitable for these grammar school golf beginners.
Obviously, we did not want to use abbreviated or altered version of adult equipment. Our only option was to purchase a golf clubs designed exclusively for children 5 through 9 and 9 through 12. Luckily, there are several manufacturers who make wonderful equipment for these youngsters.
This is where you the golfer, the observer, the supporter of youthful activities are requested to look closely at our program.
We want every child to have a opportunity to learn the game of golf.
They will be able to play this game well into their super senior years. Aside from playing the game, we know that golf builds character, develops honesty and self discipline as well as life long friendships and camaraderie. It is perfect for our youth regardless of race, creed, ethnicity or gender.
Finally, our goal is to assist communities and school districts in developing golf courses suitable for these grammar school golf beginners.