News
Driving the Future
Midwest Section PGA ’ s Commitment to Junior Golf
by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
In the heart of America ’ s heartland , a golfing revolution is taking place . The Midwest Section PGA , with its unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent , has become a beacon of hope for the future of golf . At the center of this movement is the Drive , Chip & Putt competition , a nationwide junior golf development initiative that has found a passionate champion in the Midwest Section PGA .
Founded in 2013 as a joint venture between the Masters Tournament , the United States Golf Association , and the PGA of America , Drive , Chip & Putt has become synonymous with grassroots golf development . The competition focuses on the three fundamental skills of the game : driving for distance and accuracy , chipping finesse , and putting precision . For the Midwest Section PGA , this program isn ’ t just an annual event ; it ’ s a mission .
This year , the Midwest Section ’ s commitment has been on full display . With five qualifiers completed , drawing a remarkable 540 junior participants , and a sub-regional event attracting 144 young golfers , the program ’ s impact is undeniable . These numbers , however , only tell part of the story . Behind each successful event stands an army of volunteers , the unsung heroes of junior golf .
“ Volunteers are the backbone of our junior golf competitions ,” said Adam Greeno , executive director of the Midwest Section PGA . “ Their unwavering passion for expanding the reach of the sport and guaranteeing the success of our programs is vital . We are immensely grateful for the invaluable commitment of these individuals who selflessly volunteer their time .”
12 September 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
DCP volunteers ( from left ) Jan Sindt ( volunteer for 3 years ), Kim Grimes ( 1st time volunteer ), and Bruce Wilkes ( volunteer for 3 years ) working the check in table at the DCP qualifier held July 22 at Fred Arbanas Golf Course , KCMO .
Indeed , the success of each Drive , Chip & Putt event hinges on the dedication of at least 14 volunteers . These individuals , driven by their love for the game and a desire to give back , contribute anywhere from four to more than eight hours per event . Their roles are diverse and crucial : from setting up equipment to scorekeeping to guiding young participants to offering words of encouragement .
Kathy Dody , a volunteer for the past four years , embodies this spirit of dedication . “ I absolutely love volunteering ,” she said with a smile that speaks volumes . “ It is great to see the kids learning the game and how it teaches them responsibilities , independence , honesty , and teamwork .” For Dody , these events are more than just competitions ; they ’ re opportunities to shape young lives through the timeless values inherent in golf .
Mindy Van Hercke , another devoted volunteer , echoed this sentiment . As a retiree and co-president of the Women ’ s Greater Kansas City Public Links Association ( WGKCPLA ), Van Hercke sees her involvement as a perfect way to give back to the community . “ It is so rewarding and gives me so much satisfaction to see how much the kids enjoy the game and are dedicated to it ,” she reflected . “ The kids are just so polite and respectful , too .”
The impact of these events extends far beyond the greens and fairways . Mike Kolakowski , an avid golfer and retiree who recently joined the volunteer ranks , points out the broader life lessons imparted through golf . “ These kids are given a chance to be outside ,” he said . “ Golf instills honesty and integrity in them . Plus , it ’ s hard to look at a cell phone when you have two hands on a club !”