Elks ready to tee up new youth golf program
SANDPOINT — The youth golf scene in Sandpoint is about to get a serious boost as the Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376 of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is making significant strides toward a summer youth golf program.
Since the announcement in December that the lodge had been selected to receive a $9870 grant from the Elks National Foundation, the organizers have filled in a lot of details about the project.
First of all, the Elks have partnered with the Sandpoint Parks and Recreation department, which will publish the Elks Youth Golf program in their summer program guide, as well as administering registration in the program.
“This is huge” said Elks Exalted Ruler, Bob Huyck, of Park and Rec’s role. “They will handle some of the promotion, administration and registration already being done for a variety of activities. They will also provide background checks for all employees and volunteers in their programs for the safety of the participants.”
Secondly, Elks member Mike Deprez, a 30 year PGA golf professional and certified golf instructor, will be working closely with our youth instructors and program participants to assure the best possible introduction to all facets of the game, including rules, skills, integrity, and golf etiquette.
Other Elks volunteers who will be instructors and administrators of the program include Lee Hoge, Gary Noble, Denny Creighton, Tom Tharp, Mike Keough, Nita Garvey, Holt Taylor and Bob Huyck.
The training will also be guided by membership in “Hook a Kid on Golf,” America’s most comprehensive national youth golf program, supported by the PGA, LPGA, USGA and a host of others, for the sole purpose of getting young kids introduced to the game.
“This program is something we’re very excited about. Not just the golfing aspect, but values young people can carry with them for life,” said Noble, the project manager. “One of the main purposes of the Elks is community support, and in particular youth programs.”
There will be two separate levels in the program. Both levels will be limited to 36 participants, ages 8-15 years-old, on a first come-first serve basis.
Level One, or “Tee” level, will be held each day, from July 16-20, for anyone who has never played golf. Clubs, bags, balls, tees, hats, shirts and bag tags will be provided for each participant to keep after completing the program. Some Tee level instruction will be held at the driving range in Sagle.
Level Two, or “Green” level, will be held once per week, for six weeks starting July 25. Participants will be expected to have played golf, and have their own equipment. For those who don’t have clubs, they will be provided by the Elks lodge during the program.
Most training and instruction will take place at the Elks Golf Course on Hwy 200 in Ponderay. There will be indoor classes, outdoor instruction and practice facilities, and actual play on the golf course.
Registration will be through the Sandpoint Parks and Recreation Department beginning on May 21, 2012 and must be completed by June 15, 2012. With 36 openings available, early registration is recommended.
For more information, contact the Elks Lodge at (208) 263-3811, email “sandpointelks@nctv.com” or visit Facebook at Sandpoint Elks lodge 1376.