The Central Texas Junior Golf Association is a non–profi t 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to, "provide better access and affordability of golf to juniors, while preserving the traditions of the game."
The Central Texas Junior Golf Association (CTJGA) was formed several years ago in New Braunfels, Texas, but has recently moved its home to the Joe Caruso Golf Academy in San Antonio. The Board of Directors of the CTJGA wants to make sure that junior golfers in the areas of New Braunfels and San Antonio have a chance to learn and play golf. David Ogrin, past Texas Open Champion, turned over the reigns as Executive Director, to John Caruso, last year so that he could pursue the tour again. "Mr. Ogrin wanted to make sure that we keep junior golf moving in the right direction. We are building a foundation that we hope will promote junior golf to all the kids who want to participate," states John Caruso, vice president and financial manager for CTJGA. Joe Caruso of Joe Caruso Golf Academy feels that junior golf needs a shot in the arm. "We need the kids to get started earlier and continue to play and learn. We need to make sure the cost of golf is not a deterrent to the kids and families who want to play." That is where the Central Texas Junior Golf Association comes into play.
The CTJGA raises its funds directly through donations, tournament play and sponsorships. This enables the organization to provide free golf camps, clinics and clubs to area juniors who may not be able to afford them. "We hope to raise enough funds this year to provide any junior in the area the chance to learn this great game. Each family which has junior golfers should be able to have every opportunity to play golf, no matter how privileged they may or may not be," notes John Caruso. "We are very fortunate to have local businesses and commitments on board with us." The area golf courses that host our tournaments have donated rounds of golf for our fundraising campaign and also their facilities at reasonable rates. We thank them for their participation in helping us with our goals and are grateful for the local support.
As an example of the local support and commitments by area businesses and individuals, the CTJGA is sponsored by IBC Bank and Applebee's Restaurant. We also have support from other local non–profit organizations such as the San Antonio Telecommunications Employees Golf Association (SATEGA). We were also fortunate to receive a nice donation from the ATT Championships Senior Tour last year.
The CTJGA is fortunate in having two area, junior golf instructors who help support the goals of the organization and are very active with their students. Among those are Brian McMyler at Canyon Springs Golf Club and Joe Caruso at Joe Caruso Golf Academy. They are here to help your junior learn and play golf. They are committed to providing the junior golfer the chance to be part of a great game that also teaches discipline and commitment.
The CTJGA has several tournaments left on its 2007 junior schedule. Some of the tournaments are team events and some are individual stroke play events. We find the juniors like the different variety of tournaments they can play in. Sam Thompson is our tournament director who works tirelessly putting together great places for our juniors to play. "The CTJGA has a host of great, young talent who love to compete against each other. It is a great way to learn to play competitive golf with other juniors in the area," states Sam.
The CTJGA will be providing the area juniors the chance to receive scholarships that will help pay for tournaments and practice fees at area golf courses and practice ranges. We could not do this if we did not have the support from our sponsors, donators and area junior golf instructors, but most of all the juniors and their families who have committed so much time and resources to keep their kids playing golf. The CTJGA will be hosting a Pro–Am tournament, May 7, at Silverhorn Golf Club. This tournament will help raise the needed funds to use for junior golf in the surrounding area. The tournament will include prizes, a silent auction and dinner provided by Applebee's for all teams that sign up. It's a great way for the community to participate in promoting and giving to junior golf. This tournament will kick start the rest of 2007 and allow us to commit the money raised to our programs. As noted above, the programs will consist of giving free instruction to any junior golfer through golf camps and clinics at different locations in San Antonio and New Braunfels. We will also set up free scholarships to qualifying juniors that will help pay for tournament and practice fees. Golf clubs will be provided to any junior golfer who does not have the means to purchase them. We would love to talk to any parent or junior who has any questions on how they can participate in our organization. The CTJGA is a great way for the junior golfer to participate and meet other new, junior golfers. We feel that golf can enhance a child's life in many different ways.
If anyone is interested in donating their time or resources to the Central Texas Junior Golf Association, please contact John Caruso or Brit Gentry, our fundraising coordinator, at 210–492–7888. You can also visit our website, www.texasjuniorgolfer.com, for more information on our organization and programs for the 2007 year.
We want to thank Brit Gentry, Sam Thompson and all parents and juniors who have supported us in the past and present. We cannot do it without you!
