Foundation Introduces Golf to
Deserving Youth
In 2006 the NCGA Foundation began a program called Youth on Course (YOC) to make golf more accessible and affordable for kids in Northern California. This groundbreaking program subsidizes rounds of golf and allows kids to play more than 100 courses for $5 or less. The program requires the comple- tion of a life skills and core values curriculum for kids to qualify for the low rates. In 2010 instruction
became a focus as the Foun- dation began sponsoring YOC clinics for deserving youth by partnering with lo- cal organizations. The clinics are the next step for YOC, which was initially created to connect kids from their first experience in golf to actually playing the game on a regular basis. The number of sponsored clinic sites across Northern Califor- nia has now grown to four, further widening the door of opportunity in underserved communities. San Jose Country Club
is holding Youth on Course golf clinics in a 20-week on-site program in which professional golf instruc- tors introduce youth to golf.
BY KENDALL MATOUS
The children from Sacred Heart Nativ- ity School for boys and its sister school, Our Lady of Grace Nativity School, are enjoying the pro-
gram. Sacred Heart Nativity Schools are privately funded and provide quality educa- tion to at-risk youth in the sixth through eighth grades. “I really like the clinics
and learning how to actually play golf,” said Jocelyn, an eighth grader at Our Lady of Grace Nativity School. “This
opportunities and a profes- sional setting.” San Jose CC pros teach
one clinic every Thursday, dividing the children into three rotating stations. “What I like most is see- ing the enjoyment that the younger golfers get from learning a new game. To see them make contact with the ball and hear that click for the first time is amazing,” said assistant pro Don Allio.
MARC BRAGA, HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL FOR SAN JOSE CC:
This program can definitely have a long-term impact on their lives.
is my first time golfing. It’s not like Wii Golf. It’s a lot different.” Another eighth grader,
Oscar, said, “It’s very relax- ing. I come tired with a lot of thoughts on my mind that bother me. I focus on my arms and legs and swing and forget about everything. It’s nice and quiet here. No distractions.” Marc Braga, head golf
professional at San Jose Country Club, said, “It gives us a sense of giving back to the community. We are able to expose these kids to great
“To build relationships with the kids is the greatest part for me and to see them get hooked on the game.” “I’m really impressed at
how these kids behave and the respect they show me. I think they really get it. They are aware of the opportu- nities presented to them. They’re great kids,” said Braga. The San Jose clinics will continue though Janu- ary. The instructors hope to maximize this remaining time as they help the kids develop on and off of the golf course. “You can already
start to see the change in them,” said Braga. “They might be the generation that changes their family. They might be the first ones to graduate high school or at- tend college.” Youth on Course clinics
are only the first step in a continuum of services cre- ated by the NCGA Foun- dation. The extraordinary investment in money, time, instruction and support the YOC program demands has become the primary focus of the award-wining Foundation, now celebrat- ing its 21st year in develop- ing the youth of Northern California through golf. The program is based on an evolving curriculum that es- tablishes stepping stones for achievement through clinics, life skills and nutritional education, adult mentoring, internships and scholar- ships. One way to contribute to the Youth on Course program is to volunteer at an on-site clinic close to you. For information on other ways to contribute, contact the NCGA Foundation at
www.ncgafoundation.org or 831/625-4653.
FALL 2010 / NCGA.ORG / 65
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