LANCASTER–Where is the next Jim Furyk, Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam? And where will they come from? They are out there, for sure, and one organization is making a concerted effort throughout the United States with a unique at-school, after-school program not just to find the next super star, but to get as many youngsters involved in playing golf.
Don Shipp, a Lancaster resident, is going to take the challenge to find the next star when he launches the Total Golf Adventures program in the area.
More than 25,000 youngsters have already gone through TGA programs since the company started. TGA, a California-based company, is one of the leading organizations reaching out to school-age (K-8) children with golf programs at-school, after-school. Using a unique five-level teaching method supporting and reinforcing educational concepts taught in school, TGA has created opportunities for children to develop life enhancement skills, learn and improve their golf game while having fun.
"The idea of owning my own business within an industry that I have a passion for and providing a lifetime opportunity for many children was the key reason for me launching Total Golf Adventures in Lancaster," said Shipp.
Prior to becoming a TGA licensee, Don ran a collection agency for 18 years.
Why youth golf?
"I have been an avid golfer for the past 25 years and while I was on a business trip to Myrtle Beach, I took a break to play golf. As luck would have it, I was paired with another golfer who was on the verge of becoming a TGA licensee in New York. I decided to take a look at the TGA website and the rest is history," Shipp said.
"Lancaster is home to Furyk who has brought excitement to local golfers in his hometown. The TGA program here will give me a shot at finding the next Furyk and that would be a thrill for me."
There well may be another Furyk, Woods or Sorenstam out there, but the TGA programs extend beyond learning the game of golf and honing the golf swing. A child’s passion for golf grows through a program that expands and improves his /her motor skills, coordination, encourages advancement, and builds confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the TGA program promotes and teaches life values intrinsic to the game of golf:
â?¢ Respect – for the game, their partners, and the golf course
â?¢ Honesty
â?¢ Teamwork – classes include competition, and skills contests
â?¢ Sportsmanship – good sportsmanship is fundamental to the TGA curriculum and is rewarded in classes
â?¢ Commitment and Integrity
"We are excited to have Shipp operating a program in Lancaster. Not only is TGA a solid business venture, it provides our licensees with the opportunity to give something back to their community," said Joshua Jacobs, President and CEO of this fast-growing national youth program.
"Our success in two short years is primarily due to several facts. "First, the entrepreneurial energy of our territory managers; second, the strong interest among youth of America for golf program and lastly, schools are craving for at-school, after-school, realistic programs."
The TGA curriculum was developed with input from PGA Professionals and PhD’s in Child Development and Education. Their input has ensured that TGA reinforces educational concepts such as arithmetic and reading, while teaching golf. Students learn to: keep score, count strokes (addition/subtraction); judge distances to the golf hole; (visual perception); and, study golf rules and etiquette (reading rule books by the National Golf Foundation or in the case of younger children, identifying with pictures).
TGA uses junior golf clubs in four different sizes and the Almost Golf Ballâ?¢, new practice ball designed to be safe for children and easy to hit. Students’ sense of achievement and accomplishment is fostered as they move through a five-level program designated by the TGA colors. In addition to instruction during the five levels, students are introduced to the rules, etiquette, and fundamentals of golf; then transitioned to learning how to play on a golf course. Finally, the advanced level students are prepped to play competitively through TGA and PGA Section teachings.
Total Golf Adventures (www.totalgolfadventures.com has 33 national programs in 24 states. Since launching in Fall of 2004, TGA instructors have taught more than 25,000 children in over 600 schools. TGA is endorsed and named as the official junior golf initiative by the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA); a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance, is a corporate advocate and partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness.
Contact:
Alan Taylor
Alan Taylor Consulting, Inc.
561-3921740
alan@alantaylor.com
LOCAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Don Shipp
1-717-575-4345
dshipp3@verizon.com
