Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Offers Its Members PGA Sports Academy Program

For many people golf is still perceived as a game for the elite.  Access to famous courses is unavailable to general golfers. Greens fees and equipment costs can prove an obstacle to those facing economic hardships. And for children like those served by the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle there simply is no instruction available about the rules of the game and its overall benefits to leading a successful life!

Recognizing that a majority of its members have long been denied the opportunity and exposure to golf, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is pleased to announce the launch of its PGA Sports Academy for local kids in need.

Taught by Turtle Cove Golf Center Director and PGA professional, Rick Nielsen, the PGA Sports Academy program introduces kids, ages 7 to 13, to the sport of golf, helps build character, and promotes healthy and active lifestyle choices. “Golf is a fun, active game that gives young people stamina, focus and skill, while exposing them to a lifelong leisure activity. Golf also provides the children served by the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle a new opportunity for personal and professional development. I was honored when the Club asked me to serve as an instructor. Being able to introduce this sport to the children is so rewarding for me on a personal level, says Neilsen.”

The PGA Sports Academy program utilizes golf instruction, sports, fitness and games to help kids learn golf in an interactive setting. Contests and games will be used to reinforce skills taught in a fun and non-competitive manner. The program concludes with members visiting a local golf course where they’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate their new skills.

The PGA Sports Academy program is made possible thanks to the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Both organizations partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as their Official Youth Development Partner, to introduce kids nationwide to the game of golf. This program is only offered at select Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is one of very few clubs able to offer the program in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area.

"This will be the first time many of our members have ever held or even swung a golf club said Quay Watkins, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Executive Director. We are so excited to offer our kids yet another opportunity for growth and development.  The many merits of golf including determination, focus, discipline, respect, and fun, will help the children we serve become positive role models, better citizens and have possibly lead to greater futures!"

Since 1929, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has provided a safe, structured and positive environment for children. The organization is also charged with helping kids develop the attitudes, skills, values and behaviors that enable them to succeed in life. With multiple locations throughout the city of New Rochelle, The Club positively impacts 2,000 children annually by offering a wide array of programs and services after school, during holidays and the entire summer.  

Call (914) 235-3736 to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, its PGA Sports Academy program or schedule a facility tour. Information is also available online by visiting www.bgcnr.org.