06/14/2023
As the winds shifted, alleviating the haze from the wildfire smoke, the members of the Newman Golf Course were thankful for the visibility of Ithaca’s waterfront along the horizon. On June 10th, under blue and sunny skies community members gathered to participate in the 10th annual Adult/Youth golf tournament. The beautifully maintained course welcomed 21 youth ages 8-14, 13 of these participants from the Greater Ithaca Activity Center (GIAC). They enjoyed 9 holes of golf, a putting contest and lunch together.
Historically, it was the Tompkins County Coalition for Healthy Youth who initiated the Adult/Youth golf event in June 2013. This was a non-competitive event designed to build skills, enjoy a day with a mentor or parent, and introduce youth to the game of golf. The program was planned and conducted by folks from the Tompkins County Youth Department, the Friend of Newman, and the Senior Men’s League.
Financial and material donations came from individuals and community organizations including the Alcohol and Drug Council, Bangs Ambulance Service, Shortstop Deli, Dick’s Sporting Goods, True Insurance, Hangar Theater, Stop DWI, Cornell Athletics, Ithaca Fire Department, the YMCA, and Schlather, Stumbar, Parks & Salk,LLP.
It was decided to make this an annual event. After the second successful year the Friends of Newman, in an effort to engage more City Youth, reached out to GIAC. The GIAC sports program identified five youth who wanted to play in the event. After the event two scholarships were made available so the youth who wanted to play that summer could do so with a membership.
Jim Johnston, PGA professional instructor, volunteered to give lessons to GIAC youth for four weeks prior to the next event. Ten Youth enrolled for the lessons and then played in the event. The lessons included golf etiquette as well as how to use the clubs. The Coalition for Healthy Youth introduced Drug and Alcohol prevention into the program.
A grant was created by a member of the Coalition for Healthy Youth and obtained from the Elks National Fund allowing the purchase of ten sets of youth clubs. Donations from members of the Senior Men’s League allowed for the purchase of two additional sets.
Over the years, additional donations have come from Wendy Paterniti, Gary Westfall with Bagelover’s Inc, TST BOCES, and Dan Mazza with CarEase.
Friends of Newman looks forward to hosting this event for many years to come. If you are interested in participating, please contact Gale Smith at [email protected]
