Young teens of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley enjoyed a summer day on the golf course learning how to golf.
Group O and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley held their annual golf outing at the Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Illinois.
Friends and supporters of the Boys and Girls Club golfed with a cause; to help raise money for the Club’s new Teen Center.
On the golf course the teens were all but shy when it came to getting advice from a professional golfer. Pro-golfer Brian Harman and recent winner of the Pebble Beach Pro Am also came to support the golf outing.
“…this year we were fortunate to have PGA Professional Brain Harman put on a clinic on how to hit the golf ball, as well as tips on what golf has done for him.” Mr. Bob Ontiveros, Chair of the Golf outing, mentioned.
Showing off his skills to the Boys and Girls Club, Harman also offered personal advice about going after their dreams. His dream and passion for golf weren’t just given to him, but rather he sacrificed and worked endlessly for it, something he hopes the teens will follow as well.
Brian started golf when he was 13 years old, and by 17 played on the U.S. Walker Cup team playing against other young kids from around the world.
“I think our youngsters liked the story, and yes, several had exhibited some interesting learning to play golf, I hope they follow through, as I know it has been a wonderful sport for me, and all my family.” Mr. Ontiveros added.
With the help of the Boys and Girls Club these teens just might accomplish that. The Center that will be opening soon is a new opportunity for many of the Boys and Girls Club members. The center will not only serve as a place to hang out, but will also offer its teens educational and career-related programs.
The Club wants to invest in the enhancement of local teens ranging from 6-18 years of age. The long term goals for the Teen Center are to “break the cycle of poverty, violence, gangs, and drugs and to provide educational support, career development, job skills and job skills to an increased pool of qualified Quad City Teens.”
With the help of Boys and Girls Club and its staff members the teens are able to be a part of a club that contains a positive environment, fun and entertainment, opportunities to grow new friendships, and are recognized in their improvements.
Supports from the community at events such as the golf outing are examples of empowerment in the lives of these teens.
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