Junior Golf Program had successful season

A total of 47 golfers took part in the junior golf program at the Mattawa Golf & Ski Resort this past summer. The program was run by the Mattawa Area youth Golf Foundation (MAYGF) under the umbrella of the national Future Links Golf Program. For the initial cost of $20 and an additional, $2.00 per week, golfers were provided with transportation to and from the golf course, instruction and lunch. Clubs were also available for those golfers who didn’t have nay. Golfers ranged in age from 6 to 14. The “snags” those golfers under age 10 would play 3 holes while the older ones would play nine. Golfers practiced each week on the driving range and putting green. Skill competitions were also held throughout the program. Glenn Cundari, the pro at the golf course felt the program was very successful. He said, “It was what we wanted, an introduction to golf the kids. “He wanted the kids to get used to being around a golf course and make the connection that golf is a lot of fun.

Mike and Brenda Martel co-owners of the golf course were also very pleased with hoe the well the program ran. They said “Glenn did an excellent job organizing the program and wall the kids were well behaved.”

About 12 different adult volunteers helped out during the program. The Martels would like to thank all of them for coming out to help. Lise Kirkham, one of the volunteers said “It was nice working the kids and over the summer I’ve seen an improvement in their golfing skills.”

All over the participants were very enthusiastic about the program. The majority of them were first time golfers. Mariah, Krysta and Vaughn Warkentin had never golfed before and now want to continue the sport. They found it was a lot of fun. Thirteen-year old Sasha Belter said,”I don’t really like going out to play a round of golf. But, being with my friends and playing three holes, and practicing driving and putting was a lot of fun.”

A tournament was held on August 8th, and golfers were split in to two groups. Matt Dougherty won in the under 12 division and Stephane Belanger and Joelle Boulanger won in the 13 and over age group.

Each week, the golfers took home junior trivia sheets. Questions were about golf rules, the history of the game, Canadian Golfers and current vents in the golf work. There was also a bonus question. Golfers were awarded points for answering them correctly Points were also awarded throughout the program for attendance, skill competitions and the trivia questions.

The year-end banquet was held on August 21ast and prizes were awarded to everyone. First place went to Joelle Boulanger, second to Jason Lacelle and third to Scott Lacelle. Joelle won a golf bag; Jason a seven piece set of clubs. Other prizes included golf balls, shirts and hats. Local sponsors of the program included the Mattawa Old-timers, Tembec, Columbia Forest Products, the Mattawa Doctors Association, the Lions Club, Algonquin Nursing Home and the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort.

News

The MAYGF held a skills competition on August 14th
The winner of the short game portion of the day was Bradley Huard
The long drive and accuracy champion was Jason Lacelle
Nipissing Copier of North Bay was generous in donating a new set of golf clubs; bag, towel and one dozen balls to a participant who had outstanding participation, strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. The youth selected was Bradley Huard.

Congratulations to the following golfers who had perfect attendance this summer:

Joelle Boulanger

Misha Belter

Bradley Huard

Jason Lacelle

Scott Lacelle

Jeran Lefebvre
Barrett Maxwell

The winner of the summer-long point total was 15 year-old Joelle Boulanger. She finished with 127 points. One better than brothers Scott and Jason Lacelle.