In 2006, the American Junior Golf Association teamed with the United States Golf Association to create a program that would give back to the game that has created so much tradition and goodwill for players. The two-fold purpose of this initiative is to educate junior golfers about the rules of the game, as well as to give back to the communities that helped them growing up. The latter component is achieved through the formation of the Youth Leadership Club (YLC).
The USGA-AJGA YLC teaches its members the importance of community service. Each year, one boy and one girl are honored by the AJGA and the USGA during the Rolex Tournament of Champions for their outstanding service to their community.
 |
Angela Villela and Joseph Suarez receive the
President's Youth Leadership Award
(Photo Courtesy of the AJGA) | In 2007, Angela Villela of Sylmar, Calif., and Joseph Suarez of Richmond, Va., earned this prestigious honor. Angela worked closely with the Andres Y Maria Cardenas Foundation, which donates money to high school graduates going onto college. Additionally, Angela helped raise money for equipment and came to an agreement with a local golf course so that her high school team could play and practice at no cost.
Joseph was equally active in his community. Starting at the age of 12, Joseph volunteered countless hours with The First Tee of Richmond and numerous other local organizations. In 2007 alone, Joseph had volunteered over 500 hours!
There are so many ways for junior golfers to get involved in their communities and to give back to the game that has given them so much. If you aren’t able to find a program in your area, the sky is the limit with ideas you can start on your own, like Cameron Scitern of Rockdale, Texas. Cameron will be hosting his own charity golf tournament next summer to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He is able to combine his love of golf with a cause he is passionate about.
 |
Cameron Scitern at the
Dodge/Bob Estes Abilene Junior
in 2007
(Photo Courtesy of the AJGA) |
“I realized that my parents do so much and give so much up for me, that it was now time for me to do something for others,” said the 16-year-old. “My Dad and Grandmother both have Type 2 diabetes. Even though this doesn’t directly help them, they were my inspiration to get started.”
On July 14, 2008, Cameron will host the JDRF Charity Golf Tournament at The Traditions Golf Club in Bryan, Texas. He already has Colorado Rockies pitcher LaTroy Hawkins on board as the title sponsor for the event.
“People have been so supportive of my goal,” said Cameron. “My parents told me to expect challenges, but it’s been pretty easy so far. With all the teams, sponsors and donors, I hope to raise at least $15,000 to give to the JDRF.”
Another example of finding ways to support your community is the Kaufman brothers. Smylie and Luckie Kaufman started the Kids vs. Cancer charity, where all proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society. The boys wanted to help all the kids in they knew who were affected by this disease.
They sent out over 1,000 letters asking for donations for them playing a marathon day of golf. Twelve hours after that started, the boys had played 100 holes and raised over $18,000 for pediatric cancer research.
That is not the only project on their plates either. Last spring, Smylie decided to use the skills and knowledge that he had for the game of golf and taught a classmate, Nick, with Downs Syndrome the game. Nick competed in the Special Olympics last April.
These are just small examples of what anyone can do within their local community to give back to the game. So go on and make a difference!
|
