Growing the game of golf through underserved communities

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A three-day camp is growing the game of golf to a group of junior golfers from Rochester’s underserved communities.

This program is not only providing children with the skill sets surrounding the sport, but also a pathway for accessibility, equipment and mentorship.

Golf isn’t normally a team sport. But for these young athletes, they are sharing more than just the space at Genesee Valley Golf Course but also a special kind of bond.

“One of the keys were to try to give golf to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to do it,” Rochester District Golf Association executive director Tim Vangellow said.

Launched a year ago, the Jerry Stahl Junior Golf Academy aims to bring the game of golf to underserved communities.

“It’s been a really interesting and wonderful collaboration, as you just said, of a bunch of organizations,” Vangellow said. “The First Tee of Western New York, the Rochester District Golf Association, the Oak Hill Foundation, and a number of other entities like the Genesee Valley Golf Course and Monroe County that have come together. Which helped us reach kids who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to try golf and give them a chance to come out and try golf for free with a whole bunch of people helping teach them how to play the game and show them how much fun it is. Things like perseverance, integrity, honesty are all key parts of the game of golf. And that’s one way that golf can help kids with values in life.”

Giving opportunities to kids like Chase Barclay, 15.

“My mom, she wants me to be a well-rounded person,” Barclay said. “So, I feel like this would be a good this is a good opportunity to get to know a whole bunch of different sports, different things, all that. I’ve done golf with the first tee for five years, and with the Boys & Girls Club, so I really like enjoyed it so they invited me to this camp.”

From putting, full swings, or learning how to chip, like Jeremiah Peterson, 11.

“Never, never, never, don’t believe in yourself,” Peterson said.

Golfing since he was 4 years old, Peterson hopes to one day become the next big pro golfer.

“I was okay at putting,” Peterson said. “Now I’m doing better. You just keep the progress, keeps going and never give up. When I go back to school, I am going to tell my friends ‘y’all could come with me because I like I want to get my friends of what they like the sport.’ They could become pros. You never know. That’s why you always thank somebody.”

And with the help of its mentors, sponsorships and volunteers, they are growing the game of golf.

“I’ve seen a lot of young kids start with golf and have a tremendous experience with it for the rest of their lives,” Vangellow said. “It’d be great to have to bring that to more people.”

These campers are not only walking away a brand-new set of gear, but hopefully a lifetime of love for the sport.

“Never give up on yourself, just believe,” Peterson said. “Believe; that is my number one word. If you [are a ] believer in yourself, you can do anything; you can be a millionaire. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Philippians 4:13.”