Independence Golf Club Champions Junior Golf in Virginia

Contact Scott DeRosier
Program Director
804-897-8641
jrgolf@independencegolfclub.com

(April 22, 2002) - Independence Golf Club, the VSGA Foundation's new, 27-hole golf facility located just outside of Richmond, Virginia, recently released their Spring/Summer 2002 junior golf schedule, featuring beginner and advanced golf clinics, after-school programs, a junior golf league and consecutive summer camps.

The programs will serve Independence Golf Club's primary objective to make the game of golf accessible to today's youth. The goal, explains Scott DeRosier, Program Director for Independence, is to reach over 500 kids throughout the season.

"We want to break down all the barriers that prevent kids from playing golf and create opportunities for youth of all ages and skill levels to participate in this great sport," notes DeRosier.

"Oftentimes, cost is one of the primary barriers that discourages parents from enrolling their children in golf programs. At Independence Golf Club nominal fees have been established as a way to help introduce more kids to the game. In addition, scholarships have been made available for families needing financial support."

The junior programs will take place at the Independence Golf Club Learning Center. The center includes a Tom Fazio-designed nine-hole, par-3 short course, a putting and chipping green, sand bunker, practice range, junior clubhouse and two student dormitories.

"It's a complete program enveloped in an environment friendly for learning," notes VSGA Executive Director David Norman.

Two dormitories will provide boarding to students enrolled in camp, a bonus for those juniors living outside of Central Virginia. The dormitories house 16 youngsters in each and are located next to the junior clubhouse, complete with its own kitchen and common gathering room. "As a result," comments DeRosier, "juniors will feel that they have their own place to congregate at the golf club separate from the main clubhouse."

Mike West, Director of Golf at Independence Golf Club, is currently contacting and recruiting instructors from Professional Golf Management programs throughout the country. "We feel this is a great opportunity for individuals to gain a wealth of experience working hands-on with children. Independence hopes to create a team of instructors whose knowledge, fun attitude and sincere appreciation for the game of golf will be passed on to program participants," says West.

Independence Golf Club is not only working to encourage youths to take up the game, but also to make them aware of its history and traditions. A portion of the curriculum has been designed to provide youngsters with an introduction to golf's past by visiting the Museum of Virginia Golf History situated in the Independence Golf Club clubhouse, known as Charles House.

The museum showcases and celebrates the accomplishments of Virginia golfing legends such as: Sam Snead and Bobby Cruickshank, the renowned Chandler Harper, modern greats like Curtis Strange, Lanny Wadkins, Donna Andrews, and amateur champion Vinny Giles. The hope is that these reflections will inspire new accomplishments.

A statement once written by Thomas Jefferson to his daughter reads, "I have great expectations of you, but none higher than you may attain." The quote is now being displayed at the main entrance of Independence Golf Club. According to VSGA Foundation President, Troy Peery, "the message will be communicated to each and every child at the facility."