Grandfathers for golf was started in 1999 by Marty Finn, a sportswriter for the Hemet News, a grandfather himself, who enlisted the assistance of other grandfathers. With one putting green, they taught a few youngsters the game of golf. Since then, the program has expanded to hundreds of kids learning golf every year. The purpose of teaching and sharing the game with kids whose families come from all walks of life, at no cost to the youngsters, continues to this day.
The program operates at three levels:
1. Pee Wees – ages 5 to 6 (summer program)
2. Beginners – ages 7 (learning to put, chip and drive)
3. Intermediates – play the game Each child is provided his or her personal golf bag, clubs, uniform and free lessons.
Some students who have completed this program with Grandfathers have continued on and received university golf scholarships.
Echo Hills, Golden Era, Hemet and Soboba Golf Courses make their courses available to provide the youngsters their lessons.
This 501 © (3)) program is operated entirely by volunteers. The current Board is comprised of the following members:
Tony Viola – President
Bob Wadlow – Vice President,
Intermediate Head Coach Norm Kyriss – Vice President,
Intermediate Coach Jim Crandall – Secretary,
WebMaster Arnie Gianotta – Treasurer,
Beginners Coach Linda Greilich – Board Member,
Coordinator for the Golden Era Golf Course Danny Crosser – Board Member,
Beginners Coach Ivan Johnson – Board Member,
Special Projects Coach Brad Haskell – Board Member,
Beginners Coach Jim Sullivan- Board Member
David Jimenez – Board Member
This year’s Grandfathers for Golf Memorial Tournament fund-raiser, held at Soboba Springs Golf Course, received overwhelming support from golfers and sponsors. Community interest was so high that the event sold out well before game day with 160 golfers in attendance.
The Grandfathers program is always looking for volunteers, both golfers and non-golfers, to assist in running the program and working with the kids. Applications are available online at grandfathersforgolf.com or by calling President Tony Viola at (909)754-4148.
If you are aware of any youngsters who want to learn the game of golf go to website and sign them up. It’s FREE.
Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter
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