Junior Golf Program Flourishes

The Optimist International Jr. Golf Program is an exciting and unique golf program designed to promote and introduce the game of golf to young adults between the ages of 10 and 18. More than 650 boys and girls throughout the United States, Canada and several foreign countries competed in the official Optimist Tournaments last year. State champions then advance to the annual Optimist International Junior Golf Championship hosted but the PGA National Resort & Spa located in Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County, Florida.

This annual event has quickly become one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world. Along with quality golf competition, participants also have the opportunity to meet new friends and share in the enthusiasm they have developed for golf.

Beginning in 2003 the McPherson Optimist instituted a matching entry fee program for USD 418 youth who participated in the local tournament. The program provides 50% of the entry fee to area youth that register for the tournament. The local group has contributed over $1,000 to this innovative program.

Current and former MHS Golf Team members who have benefited from this program include, Layne Johnson, Treg Fawl, Chad Neiman, Joe Reber, T.J. Holgerson, Audrey Yowell, Graham Yowell, Kevin Spencer, Keenan Warren. “Our total purpose as an organization is to encourage and support the youth of McPherson. This is just one of many activities we are involved in,” said current McPherson Optimist President, Bill Parker.

The 2008 Kansas District Optimist International Junior Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 12th at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. For information or to get an application you may call Chad Clark at 245-0130 or clcik on the link below