Save the School Golf Program

News from the Crossings: (from Montevideo American News)

7/10/2008 9:29:00 AM

Drive being started to save golf program
The Montevideo high school golf program has a rich heritage. Three Montevideo boys - Bob Young in 1950, John Lundgren in 1976, and Tom Blank in 1983 - won individual state championships. Mary Kuhlmann was named a high school girls golf All-America in 1984.

Faced with making budget cuts across the board, including teaching positions and extracurricular activities, including athletics, the Montevideo School Board voted to eliminate the boys and girls varsity and junior high golf programs in its budget cuts for the upcoming school year.

This doesn't have to mean the golf program is dead. A committee, called the Monte-video Golf Association, has been formed to explore ways to raise funds to keep the golf program alive.

About $12,000 is needed to fund the program, including salaries for two varsity head coaches and one junior high coach.

Both the boys and girls programs had adequate numbers this spring - 26 boys and 20 girls in grades 7-12. About 50 youths are currently receiving golf instruction at The Crossings through the Community Ed/Rec program.

High school golf is not a popular spectator sport, nor is it a revenue producing sport. But it can be a "lifetime" sport - probably the only sport, with the possible inclusion of tennis, offered in high school in which today's youth can participate and enjoy throughout their adult lives.

The board of directors of The Crossings, with the knowledge that today's youth are the membership of tomorrow, has pledged its support to do what it can to ensure the future of the high school golf program.

Help will also be needed from individuals who love the game of golf. Letters will be sent to former Montevideo high school golfers asking for their support.

The Montevideo Golf Association is working to aquire 501(c) status, making monetary donations to the organization tax deductible.

A golf fundraising event will likely be held next summer or early fall at The Crossings.

Anyone interested in offering their support can contact Sheryl Mann at The Crossings at (320) 269-6828.