Junior Golf
MGA Links at Mamantapett
opened its doors in April 2003 ForeKids Golf Program
- Junior Education Center
Through the purchase of an 18-hole, par-3 facility in Norton - formerly known
as Wading River Golf Club - the MGA was able to open a permanent golf education
center called MGA Links at Mamantapett that serves as the headquarters for
the organization's nationally-heralded ForeKids Golf Program and provides
access for many youth-based community programs run by the local Boys &
Girls Clubs and YMCAs, among others.
During the inaugural summer of 2003, 326 youth from 17 different communities participated in a seven week golf and life skills development program at the facility. As part of the curriculum, the children progressed through a series of golf lessons where they were introduced to the different aspects of a golf course including the green, tee, fairway, rough, bunkers and water hazards.
In addition to golf, the participants were introduced to the nine core values inherent to the game including honesty, integrity, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, sportsmanship, judgment, respect and courtesy. The life skills experience was the platform used in getting the participants to become comfortable with introducing themselves to others, meeting new people, learning something new, setting goals, and dealing with conflict. The life skills learned are useful for the participants both on and off the golf course.
On September 30, 2003, 35 students from the Perkins School for the Blind attended a clinic at MGA Links at Mamantapett. The day included a tour of the facility, golf instruction and lunch. It was a glorious day for golf and the highlight of the year for the MGA Links staff. Instruction included putting and full swing.
The MGA has plans to renovate part of the MGA Links at Mamantapett golf course and also retrofit the existing clubhouse to accommodate the educational lessons that will be an integral part of overall programming. Plans to incorporate a small driving range and short-game skills area are also being considered.