Though the PGA of America was founded in New York City most don't think of the Big Apple as a golf town. In fact, for a time the city's public courses had been the subject of ridicule. Their club houses were crumbling and the fairways bedraggled. Greens were frequently bumpy and burned out.Changes came in 1983 when the Department of Parks and Recreation turned golf course operation over to outside operators. Clubhouses were refurbished or rebuilt and courses were redesigned and replanted. The First Tee opened at Mosholu Golf Course in the Bronx and now exposes thousands of city children to golf each year. The idea was to teach city kids golf and the life skills that come with it.
LPGA Champion Cristie Kerr was part of that effort earlier this week when she spent the day at Dyker Beach Golf Course and Junior Golf Center, a wonderful facility in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. She hosted a free clinic for junior golfers who are part the golf program which is presented by the René Lacoste Foundation. Lacoste is one of Cristie's long-time sponsors.
In addition to a free clinic for junior golfers Kerr shared stories of growing up with golf and reminded the young players of the importance of maintaining good grade. She even found time to make public service announcement promoting junior golf in the city she's grown to love.
