NJ Golf Foundation Aims To Grow The Game [AUDIO]

Started in 2004, the New Jersey Golf Foundation is the charitable arm of the NJ PGA.

What's so great about the Garden State? Tell us using the form at the bottom of this story

The foundation has been charged with simple goals since its inception: to grow the game around the state and teach life lessons to youth.

One of the major milestones of the group is the Golf In Schools program, which makes golf part of physical education classes in schools around the state.

"We're in currently now 166 schools and we've influenced 95,000 kids in New Jersey," said President Gregg Angelillo.

The first step is to find out when the school will be teaching the program on the calendar. Then schools must get the proper equipment. Elementary schools use SNAG Golf and middle schools use Almost Golf equipment. A copy of the curriculum is then given to all necessary school personnel. NJPGA Professionals are then employed to teach the Phys. Ed. teachers the material. Once the program begins in the school NJPGA Professionals are then brought back for a visit(s) to monitor the instruction.

The original goal was to target disadvantaged areas around the state, but Golf In Schools has taken off statewide.

The program has led to recognition by the National PGA for the NJ PGA and NJ Golf Foundation. They were recently awarded the Herb Graffis Award for exceptional player development.

"The National PGA could not believe that in such a short period of time and with not a ton of funding, we've been able to influence and develop new players," said Angelillo

Plainfield Country Club has recently approved the development of a homesite facility for the NJ Golf Foundation at their West Nine Course.

The foundation has also completed their annual 100 hole golf marathon fundraiser at the West Nine Course to raise money for their initiatives.

They have been wildly successful at opening the game to kids of all backgrounds.

"We want to be able to get the next generation of golfers to be exposed to the game in the proper way," he explained.

You can learn more by visiting them online and on Facebook.

More Good News

St. Joseph Knights of Columbus

St. Joseph Knights of Columbus in Keyport is holding two fundraisers to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Starting on November 24, people can purchase Christmas trees for $30.00. Proceeds from the sale will go towards the Hurricane Sandy Relief effort in the Bayshore area. In addition, on December 14, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus will hold a spaghetti dinner for $10.00 per person. Proceeds will also benefit the Hurricane Sandy Relief effort.

VSP Vision Care

VSP Vision Care is reaching out to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The largest not-for-profit vision benefits and services company is sending two state-of-the-art mobile eyecare clinics to Toms River and Seaside Heights. Each clinic is outfitted with an exam room, eyewear frame dispensary and finishing lab allowing glasses to be made on-site. In addition to the mobile clinics, VSP has also given the American Red Cross over 2,000 gift certificates to be distributed to those in need. The gift certificates are redeemable at local VSP doctors' offices. To learn more, go to www.vsp.com.

Benefit For Hope Relief For Hurricane Sandy

A Benefit For Hope Relief For Hurricane Sandy event will be hosted by Latitudes on the River in Forked River on November 30 to raise money for families displaced from Hurricane Sandy. The evening will feature auction prizes, music, and food. Tickets are $20 at the door. Benefit For Hope Relief For Hurricane Sandy was founded especially to help those in need after Hurricane Sandy. Their mission is to secure funds and necessary items for families suffering from loss after Hurricane Sandy in the Ocean County.