Coaches Corner
Something is always going on in the world of junior golf . Three youth coaches offer thoughts on what programs and platforms are available and where to get involved .
Ed Gill directs a Junior Golf Academy at The Dominion Club in Henrico County and is the VSGA Junior Golf Circuit coordinator , Richmond Region .
We must keep growing and filling the top end of the funnel with the younger generations to keep golf alive and ever evolving .
I think it is incumbent for golf professionals to ensure that we are offering youth golf programs for every young person who wants to get involved in the game , and that we are allowing them to use the game to bolster their personal , scholastic , athletic and life goals .
It is our job to introduce the complex yet fun game of golf in the most engaging manner to bolster and foster lifelong love for the game of golf .
Rotella , a three-time VSGA tournament champion , participates in the Classic as a player and puts together an exhibition . He did a putting exhibition in 2022 with former University of Virginia standout Denny McCarthy who is recognized as one of the best putters on the PGA Tour . Another year he conducted a fireside chat with Padraig Harrington .
“[ They ] were on stage , but Padraig just went for two hours and talked . He did not need any questions . He had a lot to share . He is such a passionate human being ,” Fedder recalled .
HOLSTON HILLS Louise Blevins-Leslie loved to play golf .
She was introduced to the sport when her husband Marvin Leslie , a longtime member of Holston Hills Golf Course , gave her a pair of stylish golf shoes . She enjoyed traveling and playing golf with her husband of 60 years and developed lifelong friendships as her love of the game grew during her more than 30 years of playing . She was a member of the VSGA and played frequently in fundraisers for the American Cancer Society .
Louise died a day shy of her 86th birthday in March 2023 . Leslie honored her memory by creating and funding the Louise Blevins-Leslie Girls Golf Scholarship through the Smyth County Community Foundation , a non-profit organization in Southwest Virginia .
The SCCF ( smythccf . org ) provides scholarships , grants and endowments that benefit communities in Smyth County . Leslie says the scholarship will have a stronger life and eventually be endowed by partnering with the Foundation .
“ A unique feature is the fact that it is designed to encourage high school girls to participate in their golf programs ,” Leslie said . “ I ’ m so proud of it and proud that I could do this in memory of my wife , and I ’ m proud it will help young girls take up the game of golf .”
Smyth County is home to three high schools : Marion Senior , Northwood and Chilhowie . Leslie committed to contributing two scholarships per year for each of the high schools .
Winners of Louise Blevins-Leslie scholarships gather at Holston Hills in Marion .
Michelle Holmes is director of instruction at the Michelle Holmes School of Golf in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake and is the VSGA Junior Golf Circuit coordinator , Hampton Roads Region .
Initiatives ( referencing platforms ) like these are so valuable to the junior golfer , but also provide great structures for coaches operating junior golf programs , for families to grow together and for the kids themselves to hold themselves accountable in their development .
A junior golf favorite at MHSG is our LPGA Girls Golf of Hampton Roads program . Events are held on Friday nights . Each evening consists of 60 minutes of golf and 30 minutes of social activities . Our goal is to instill confidence and provide social opportunities and lifelong friendships . We place a strong emphasis on the 5 E ’ s : Empower , Enrich , Engage , Exercise and Energize .
ALL SMYTH PHOTOS COUNTY COURTESY COMMUNITY OF BELLE FOUNDATION HAVEN CC
28 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY / J UNE 2024