Road to College Golf

As part of its mission to help Southland juniors prepare for college, the SCGA Foundation put together two educational outings earlier this month to help its youth plan for life after high school. In week one of the outing, 60 participants ages 9-17 joined the Foundation at the Tiger Woods Learning Center, where Ted Gleason spoke about the road to college golf and helped the older students create college golf resumes that can now be submitted to college coaches. All participants took a golf fitness seminar and competed in a variety of golf skill competitions.

“The outing taught me how to research schools and how to best communicate with college golf coaches,” said Stephanie Gonzalez. “It’s never too early to start thinking about your future and to start considering all your options.”

The next weekend, 16 juniors were invited to participate, with their parents, in a tour of Occidental College, led by golf team member Alexis Holmes. Men’s and women’s golf coach Andrew Larkin then spoke to the group about college golf, and facilitated a Q&A session between the participants and his team members.

“What I learned at Occidental that struck me the most was that if a student wants to play golf in college, there is a college out there for everyone,” said Marco. “Attending these outings provides exposure to many different colleges and will provide Stephanie the opportunity to pick the college she feels the most comfortable with.”

Along with giving them a tour of the campus and answering their questions, Holmes also talked to those in attendance about confidence, and gave them tips of public speaking. The day wrapped up wtih golf at Scholl Canyon, where Larkin watched the the juniors hit balls on the range.

“These events are extremely valuable for parents and their children,” said Marco, pictured above with daughter Natalie. “It allows everyone to learn about the opportunities and choices for their future in college and beyond. I know I learned a lot that will assist both my daughters to make good choices about the colleges they wish to attend.  I also want to thank the SCGA for providing these types of programs for the junior golfers in our community.  Education benefits everyone!”

To get your child involved in outings like these, sign them up for G.A.M.E. Club here!