5th Annual Golf Clinic for the Junior Blind a Huge Hit

On Saturday July 16th at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress, 32 blind and visually impaired juniors from The Foundation for the Junior Blind were on hand for their 5th annual golf clinic hosted by Joe Grohman PGA. Inspired by a U.S. Blind Golfers Association clinic for the SCPGA at the Foundation 5 years ago, Grohman has held a clinic every year since. The clinic consisted of 3 stations-Driving Range, Putting and a golf ball toss. The golf ball toss had Foundation juniors throwing golf balls into a pond so they could "hear" what the pond looked like.

This years clinic was sponsored by the U.S.Blind golf association and attended by U.S.B.G.A. and Lions Club International representative Billy Ray Davis. Also on hand was perennial blind clinic instructor and L.A. Director of Junior Golf Mike McMonegal and his incredible staff. "I couldn't do this every year without the support of Mike McMonegal. He and his staff are amazing with juniors and set the standard of excellence for the clinic every year. His support is without a doubt the key in having a successful clinic every year," said Grohman.

Also in attendance was Fred Ensley, the Head Instructor for the First Tee Program in South Central L.A. out of Maggie Hathaway Golf Course. "It was a great day! What I liked was that the kids I brought were initially impressed with the neighborhood. They were given hope just from that that golf and good grades means hope for a better tomorrow. At first they were kind of afraid of the blind kids. But they quickly jumped in and started helping and it was all they were talking about on the way home. They were absolutely thrilled with the experience.

Not only did the clinic help blind kids but also kids that have sight but cannot see. It was awesome." Mike Clary the General Manager of the Navy Golf Course said, "This is one of the most amazing things I've ever been involved in." PGA Professional Rob Nunn had this to say, "It was a life changing experience. I recommend that all PGA Pros participate at least once. The amount of good generated by this event is immeasurable."

Pacifica High School Golf Coaches Eddie Castro, Keith Valenzuela and Craig Onodera and the Pacifica High School Golf Team were also on hand. Coach Valenzuela said, "I work with a lot of young people in golf and in baseball and this was the most enjoyable time that I've had working with youth. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the less fortunate kids and on the golf team kids working with them was quite a joy. To see the camaraderie that developed that day was awesome. I recommend it to any high school coach. Anyone for that matter. I had my dad out there and he thought it was great and can't wait to be involved next year. I am so proud of all the kids that participated. It was an incredible day! Fantastic!"

19 year old Danitra Turner also was there volunteering her time to work with the less fortunate. She was one of Grohman's junior golf students in South Central who went from beginner to college golf scholarship in 2 years only to be gunned down in a drive by shooting last year and is now a paraplegic as a result. An amazing young woman Miss Turner had Grohman bring his La County Sheriffs Department boot camp juniors out of the Lennox station in South Central over to visit her in the hospital after the shooting. "She showed them the x-ray of the bullet lodged in the middle of her spine that can't be removed and explained to them the importance of not being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was very powerful stuff. This young lady is quite an inspiration" said Grohman.

Also on hand were volunteers from the Navy Golf Course Men's and Ladies clubs, the Pacific Coast Golf Club, SCPGA Pros Dave Stevens and Trevor Baker, The Navy Golf Course Junior Golf Program, Russ Johnson and Juniors from his Junior Golf Program, volunteers from the local community and of course junior golfers and staff from the Foundation for the Junior Blind. "It was wonderful! I never even thought of golf before today. And the golf ball toss was cool! I had a great time!" said Marisa, a 14 year old girl totally blind since birth. If testimonials are any indicator, it was an awesome day indeed.