Growing the Game
By Vaughn Kezirian, NCGA President
AS YOU OPEN your spring
edition of NCGA Golf, join me in hoping for the best for golf in 2010.
The weather for the AT&T Pebble Beach Na- tional Pro-Am was spec- tacular as was the compe- tition. Dustin Johnson’s sand-save birdie for back- to-back wins highlighted a great week. The Monterey Peninsula Foundation and its dedicated volunteers hosted a well-organized event with the beneficiary being a number of charities in Northern California, one of which is the NCGA Foundation.
Golf fans should look forward to the 2010 U.S. Open conducted by the USGA with Pebble Beach as its venue. Plan a day or two at the Open and al- locate a half day to enjoy a round of golf at your mem- bers’ course, Poppy Hills. By the printing of this article the NCGA will be solidly into more than 391 days of tournaments managed by staff and more than 200 tourna- ment officials. Hopefully, all members will find time to take advantage of the extensive number of events for all levels of play. The NCGA Junior Tour has expanded to 16 events which should allow more than 1,500 juniors the opportunity to
18 NCGA Golf SPRING 2010
compete in either scratch or handicap events. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we will add one new tournament this year, a super-senior champion- ship at Merced Golf and Country Club. If the word tourna-
ment does not fit your golf vocabulary, then I highly recommend you take advantage of the many members-only outings of- fered. The member-outing program started two years ago and has enabled thou- sands of NCGA members the opportunity to enjoy an organized event at a number of the fine private or upscale resort member golf clubs in Northern California.
The NCGA Founda- tion, through its fundrais- ing programs, is serving more than 7,000 deserving youth in Northern Califor- nia. The Youth on Course program is supported by 115 golf courses, making it possible for youth to play those courses for $5 or less. Over the last year, the Foundation has invested more than $1 mil- lion in youth.
Almost all of the ad- ministrative expenses of the Foundation are paid by the NCGA, ensur- ing that nearly 100% of all donated funds support programs for deserving youth. I strongly encourage each of you to support the Foundation which is
one of the ways to im- prove the future of golf in Northern California. The NCGA Foundation’s mis- sion statement is simple and finely worded: “To provide deserving youth the opportunity to develop life skills and values through golf.”
Since 1901, the NCGA has served the golf com- munity of Northern California. The 2010
Take advantage of benefits offered at more than 80 Member Advantage courses
version will be no differ- ent. The NCGA comprises 400 regular clubs and 850 associate clubs. Needless to say the current econom- ic difficulties have chal- lenged and will continue to challenge our members and our future. Each of us loves and is dedicated to the great game of golf. The current board of directors has dedicated and committed the NCGA to develop and maintain programs which provide maximum golf value to members through member clubs. We will diligently work to honor our mission statement: “To support and promote the game of golf in Northern Califor- nia and to enhance the knowledge, enjoyment and participation of NCGA
members.” With the help of you, our members, and our extremely dedicated and talented staff, we will honor that commitment through our actions. I am proud and humbly honored to be your presi- dent for 2010. Please share your thoughts with me on how we, the NCGA, can better serve you, its members. I will be eager to share your thoughts with our board and our staff. My e-mail address is
president@ncga.org. Thank you and enjoy our great game. I often find that I think best when on the course at twilight walking with the next shot in mind or while hitting my pitching wedge at the corner of the range. With my level of expertise, a wedge is about all I consistently hit. This is in sharp contrast to the Saturday/Sunday morning battles with my buddies at “The Fort.” I love both scenarios because I truly love my time on the golf course. Grab a friend or family member and reintroduce them to the game. Take advantage of benefits offered at more than 80 Member Advantage courses.The game has a wealth of benefits and my challenge to you is to spend time with someone you enjoy on the most beautiful place in the world: your local golf course.
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