At 28, Jr. golf starts new era
With its first registration on Saturday at Coral Oaks Golf Course, the Cape Coral Junior Golf Association begins a new era for its 28th year of serving the area’s aspiring junior golfers.
The association’s six-week summer program was started in 1989 by Maryanne Drahos, who decided it was time to retire as president. The reigns have been passed to new president Mark Selby.
“I’ve been involved with the program for 12 years and on the board for four,” said Selby. “I hope to continue the program just as it has in the past. I want to keep the dream alive for these kids. I know I wanted to be a pro one day, too. I’m not going to change anything because what has been done over the years is what I think should be done.”
Registration at the course runs 8:30 a.m. until noon. The program fee is $20 and limited to the first 250 boys and girls, ages 7-18, to sign up. If the limit is not reached this Saturday, a second sign-up is slated for May 21.
“We need 70 volunteers this year,” said Selby. “We just can’t handle more than 250 kids. It’s only $20 and I want to keep it that way. The pro out there, Allen Manguson, and I have known each other for years. He orchestrates with eight or 10 other pros to provide the kids with the lessons.”
The program tees off on June 13 and runs six Mondays (skipping July 4) and concludes on July 25. Juniors are encouraged to play with their own clubs, but clubs are made available to those who don’t have a set.
After an evaluation by one of the pros, juniors are assigned to one of six skill levels – first swing, 3- 5- and 9-holers, intermediate and championship level.
“We are going to continue with the core values that has been taught for 27 years,” said Selby. “Enjoy and respect the game, shake hands when the round is over, making friendships, providing competition, and be happy.”
The program also encourages moving up in skill levels. During the six sessions, players often advance one to three levels and many return to the program each year to continue advancing their skills. Selby’s own kids and grandkids participated in the summer program.
“I want to continue bringing golf to these kids for as long as I can,” said Selby, 61. “If the guy upstairs allows me. I’m retired and I have the time. I always wondered what my life’s final chapter might be, and this may be it.”
On the last day of the program is the Tournament of Champions, followed by an awards picnic.
“The Technical College is building us a free website and I have an accountant drawing up a 501(c)(3) papers so that registration fee will be tax deductible,” said Selby.
Selby said he hopes to acquire some of the teaching equipment the pros want as well as create scholarships in the future.