Group Gets Grant for Youth Golf Program

As part of its commitment to making the sport both more accessible and affordable, the United States Golf Assn. has awarded $25,000 to a junior golf program in Mission Hills.

The grant will allow the Pacoima Junior Golf Assn. to expand its scope, spokesman John Laing said, ideally putting golf clubs in the hands of hundreds of kids who may never have otherwise gained exposure to the sport.

Now in its 16th year, the local association offers year-round instruction and course play to youngsters of all ages and skill levels. But until now, the club has relied on volunteer instructors.

“Some days, we only have two instructors and 50 kids. If we can pay instructors, we can get a higher level of service,” Laing said. “The theory for the grant is it will free us from the day-to-day grind of scraping for money.”

Laing hopes that the grant, which will also provide for equipment and greens fees, can allow club membership to grow from about 100 to nearly 300. Although the club serves many economically disadvantaged youth, technically there is only one proviso for membership: All students must maintain a B average.

“Our object is to give kids a place to learn the game,” Laing said. “We have no restricted access.”

The grant was one of five made in Southern California this year by the USGA, golf’s national governing body, and part of the organization’s 10-year, $50-million commitment to golf programs across the country.