In 2008, Elaine Apfelbaum, Recreation Superivisor of Clarkstown’s Recreation and Parks Department, secured a “Sticks for Kids” grant, which awarded the town several sets of golf clubs. She has now gotten that grant again.
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation awarded the Town of Clarkstown the “2012 Sticks for Kids” Grant.
“We got ten sets of golf clubs donated from the grant. The kids get so much use out of them. I talked to (NRPA and GCBAA) last year and this year they replenished the grant,” said Apfelbaum. “It’s important to get kids interested earlier in golf and it’s free if they’re a Clarkstown resident.”
On Saturday, several Clarkstown officials stopped by the Rockland Lake State Park Golf Course to present the golf sets to the Golf Course Head PGA Professional Mark Burrell. The sets came with bags and golf clubs in all sizes and there are some for righties and lefties.
“I can’t believe they got this. It’s fantastic,” said Burrell. “With the junior clinics, we use them extensively. When (Clarkstown residents) have kids and can’t afford golf clubs, they can now borrow these.”
“I’m a golfer and I think it’s a great sport to get involved in (for young adults),” said Alex Gromack, Clarkstown Supervisor. “We (the town) have a great working relationship and partnership with Rockland Lake State Park.”
Councilmembers Stephanie Hausner and Shirley Lasker were so inspired by the grant and the golf sets that they signed up for golf lessons at Rockland Park this Wednesday.
“(The grant) is really great. The kids really love new clubs and new bags,” Jimmy Han, who runs the junior golf summer program. “The quality of the clubs is good. It’s a good program.”
NRPA and GCBAA has an ongoing partnership providing opportunities for park and recreation agencies and community-based organizations to engage youth in the fundamentals of golf.
The GCBAA established the “Sticks For Kids” program to provide the tools and opportunities necessary to allow as many junior golfers as possible to enjoy the game.
