Filling the Void
Tags: Veterans, Golf, Youth, Chicago, Cdga

Filling the Void

By Casey Richards

The summer before entering freshman year of high school brings about a wide array of uncertainties for 14-year-olds like Devin Monner.

New school. New friends. New activities.

The summer of 2020 featured even more ambiguities thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the classroom and extracurricular endeavors.

Fortunately, Monner and thousands of other Chicago District youth could turn to one constant — $5 or less rounds of golf with their Youth on Course membership.

Founded in 2006 by the Northern California Golf Association, Youth on Course has since expanded to 37 states, including Illinois, where the program is administered by the CDGA and CDGA Foundation. Individuals ages 6–18 can join Youth on Course and secure access to rounds of golf for $5 or less at nearly 60 participating facilities in the Chicago District. Monner, a native of Oak Forest and a Youth on Course member since it came to the Chicago District in 2017, utilized this benefit even more in 2020.

“I did play a lot more golf this year, especially because it was one of the only things we could do,” Monner said. “I played a lot more golf. My love for the game just grows the more I play.”

Monner is not alone in his burgeoning passion for golf. The number of Youth on Course members locally grew from about 2,800 in 2019 to nearly 4,500 in 2020. After totaling just over 12,000 rounds last year, 2020 Youth on Course members notched about 14,800 this season. The CDGA Foundation reimburses participating facilities like Fox Bend Golf Course, where Ben Nachtwey serves as the PGA Director of Golf, the difference between the Youth on Course rate and their regular junior rate.

“Youth on Course definitely has provided a positive outlet for kids not being cooped up inside all day,” Nachtwey said regarding how the program played a role during this unique summer. “The program gave them a chance to either pick up the game if they are new to it or gave them an opportunity to get out and do something if they’re not able to participate in other extra curriculars.”

Monner used his increased play to fine-tune his game in advance of trying out for and eventually making the golf team at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park. The budget-friendly nature of the program allowed Devin’s father, Tim, the ability to easily fund his son’s hard work and dedication to improving his craft.

“Golf is not exactly a cheap sport for your kids to play,” said Tim. “A really strong benefit of the program is that it’s really a cost-effective way to get these kids out and experience the game.”

Monner and Youth on Course are representative of golf’s 2020 surge. However, the lingering question remains — how much of this will carry over into 2021 and beyond? Nachtwey views the ability for Youth on Course to continually provide affordable access as a key to shepherding the game’s success.

“These are the future golfers that we’re going to be hosting as our guest somewhere down the line,” Nachtwey said.

If those future guests retain the same level of affinity for the game as Devin Monner, golf is in good hands moving forward.

“I love it,” Monner said of golf. “It’s one of the best things to do with your friends.” ●

The CDGA Foundation utilizes the game of golf to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs, veterans and youth. To keep our participants on the course by making a tax-deductible donation, visit CDGAFoundation.org.

Rays of Sunshine Still Peek Through

While the coronavirus caused a significant reduction in the number of Sunshine Through Golf Camps the CDGA Foundation was able to conduct in 2020, the special needs individuals who were able to participate greatly enjoyed the experience. Camps resumed in June under a series of safety guidelines.

“Being able to participate in this program allowed our athletes to reunite, even from a distance, with some of their friends that they have been missing terribly,” said Kelly Brunning, Senior Operations Manager of Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation.

The program is a collaboration between the CDGA Foundation, CDGA member clubs, golf professionals and special recreation associations. The entities team to provide golf opportunities and instruction for the special needs participants.

“I’m very thankful for all of their help in learning new techniques to help improve my game,” said Kathy, a Sunshine Through Golf Camp participant.

In total, 68 individuals with special needs participated in 12 camps held throughout the Chicago District. In a regular year, the Foundation conducts more than 90 camps for upwards of 1,200 individuals.

Veterans Programming Provides Serenity

The CDGA Foundation’s programming for veterans and active military also was significantly altered by the coronavirus. Still, nearly 300 individuals participated in a modified schedule of golf clinics conducted by CDGA Foundation service provider RevelationGolf.

“There’s something about the game of golf — it gives peace of mind when I’m out here,” said Rosalio Aguirre, an Army veteran who participates in clinics at Veterans Memorial Golf Course. “My mind could be going 100 miles per hour when I’m back on base, but when I’m here, it’s peaceful. Peace of mind — I love it.”

The CDGA Foundation also continued administration of its scholarship program, which provides awards to disabled veterans or dependents of deceased or disabled veterans living or hospitalized in the Chicago District. All Blind Veterans Golf Outings, conducted in conjunction with the Hines VA Hospital’s Central Blind Rehabilitation Center (CBRC), were canceled.