Golf program aims to instill life skills in Yuma-area youth
Registration deadline for six-week session is Thursday
An inaugural program that aims to teach youth life skills through the game of golf is holding registration for local children.
“Tee It Up Yuma” or TIUP, is being offered by the city of Yuma and the Desert Hills Golf Course.
The six-week program is open to children ages 8 to 16 of all backgrounds, golf and life skills. There is no cost for the program, which promotes the life pillars of honesty, ethics, fair play, reliability and manners.
The program begins on Saturday, Oct. 7. Sessions are every Saturday in October and continue through the first two Saturdays in November. Each session runs from 1 to 2 p.m.
TIUP’s registration deadline is Thursday, Oct. 5.
According to Andrew Smith, golf operations manager with Desert Hills Golf Course, the program capacity is 36 students, though TIUP will offer multiple programs throughout the year.
“We will also run multiple groups on the same day if demand warrants that approach,” he said.
Though children at all levels of golf are invited to participate in the program, Smith noted TIUP is geared to the person who has never held a golf club and the novice player, but all are welcome to join.
“Youth golf programming is part of our mission, and a point of emphasis for the United States Golf Association,” Smith said. “And, given its diverse population, Yuma is a perfect place to launch a comprehensive golf and life skills program.”
Golf, in particular, has a focus on ethics, Smith said, which he feels is especially beneficial for youth because it is a game that has long been considered a “gentleman’s sport.”
“Proper etiquette, respect for the golf course, the rules and other players have always been the legacy of golf,” he explained. “It is the only sport where players call penalties on themselves. We learn a tremendous amount about ourselves and others when playing golf. Golf will provide the concrete examples to illuminate the life skills lessons.”
For more information or to register, call (928) 373-5220. Desert Hills Golf Course is at 1245 Desert Hills Drive.