Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament (2006)
While the ladies of the LPGA are teeing up for dollars and to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at the Sybase Classic in New Rochelle, Mayor Michael Bloomberg will also be on the links looking to raise money to help teach city kids how to play the game.
Bloomberg will be joined by some 25 foursomes Friday (5/18) morning at Split Rock Golf Course in the Bronx for the annual Mayor’s Cup Tournament 2006. Played as a “Scramble” and always held on a public New York City course, all proceeds from the event go directly to City Parks Golf, a junior golf education program conducted by the City Parks Foundation.
Last year’s event held at adjoining Pelham Golf Course raised more than $120,000 for the program.
City Parks Golf provides free golf instruction to more than 1,200 boys and girls from age 5 to 16. Beginners are taught the basics of swinging the driver, pitching the ball and putting.
Offered during July and August with instruction provided by local teaching golf professionals, the hour-long classes are offered twice a week at city parks across the five boroughs with all the equipment provided being free.
As the students advance they’re taught golf etiquette, scoring and eventually play on a small target course set up at the park. Those young golfers with the best grasp of the rules, safety and skills are then invited to play on a local course.
Skilled graduates of these programs are then invited to attend the Junior Golf Academy, a five week curriculum held at local golf courses. Students who complete the Academy program are awarded a card by American Golf which allows them to play on any of their managed courses for $1.
The program is only open to New York City residents, spaces are limited and all students must register in advance. For more information visit: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org or call 718-699-4200.
