News Release
For Immediate Release: January 28, 2000
The Massachusetts Golf Association, New England PGA, CityGolf and the Boston
Parks and Recreation Department have teamed up to offer 80 Boston area youth
a four week indoor golf camp to be held this winter. This program is recognized
by the USGA Foundation and sponsored by Fleet Boston Financial and Pepsi Cola.
The teaching staff includes; PGA Golf Professionals Eddie Woronicz, Gary Parker
and Brian O'Hearn of City Golf along with Mickey Folan of Ponkapoag GC and
Rick Bacca of Bass Rocks GC.
The participants in this program will meet one day per week, starting, Saturday, January 15th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Four programs will be offered initially, each for a four week period, culminating on April 29th. Children participating in the program were all participants of last summers week long MGA Inner City Golf Camp at Franklin Park GC. Over 200 letters were sent to children between the ages of 10 and 12 and those who responded, were enrolled. Each four week program will have approximately 20 participants. A graduation ceremony will be held on May 6th at Franklin Park GC along with an introductory golf tournament on May 20th are scheduled for all the winter program participants.
The goal of the program is to not only provide golf instruction but create a junior league at Franklin Park GC. For the past eight years, the MGA and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department have made a serious investment in junior golf. We hope to see all our efforts come to fruition in the year to come. Additionally, the golf professionals will reinforce the virtues of self discipline, integrity and sportsmanship to insure proper etiquette on the golf course this summer. Participants in the program will also learn of the golf related employment options available to them including; caddying, on course maintenance and pro shop assistance.
Throughout each four week program, the children will be watching a golf video produced by the United States Golf Association on the rules and etiquette called the "Spirit of the Game." This video will have a lasting impact. All participants will receive a rules of golf book compliments of the Massachusetts Golf Association. Participants in the program will have access to used equipment or purchase new equipment at discounted prices.
The MGA and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will work together to provide affordable access for youths at the Boston area Municipal Golf Courses.