WHEELING, W.Va — Oglebay continues to be a leader in youth golf teaching facilities in the state and region. With an ongoing emphasis on golf instruction, Oglebay Golf Professional Shane Rice championed the youth golf development programs in 2018 by doubling participation to more than 245 youth.
“It has been such a pleasure helping kids learn the game of golf. From basic fundamentals for our youngest participants to the physics and ball flight laws for our more advanced players, our team strives to create the type of golfers we are proud to have using Oglebay’s golf facilities.” Rice continues, “The rules and etiquette training through the game of golf have ongoing positive life-skill development benefits for our participants.”
Youth golf training and instruction have a tremendous impact on the lives of young people. Oglebay’s camps and clinics are comprised of a blend of PGA Jr. League and The First Tee programming. These programs provide training that builds character and instills life-enhancing values while promoting healthy choices through the game of golf, and they’re fun!
PGA Jr. League is a social, inclusive opportunity for participants to wear numbered jerseys and play on teams with their friends in a scramble format conducive for learning and development. The First Tee is a low to no cost instructional program with after- and in-school facilities located across the country.
Ashley Hamilton, Program Director of the First Tee of West Virginia, commented on the organization’s recent partnership and growth.
“The First Tee of West Virginia was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to open its seventh facility at Oglebay last year. We knew the area would prove to be a great addition to the chapter’s facility locations however we never anticipated an expansion of this magnitude.”
Oglebay’s youth golf programming is supported by foundations, corporations, and organizations working in partnership with the Oglebay Foundation. Funding provided by the W.E. Stone Foundation helped to launch the Oglebay First Tee program in 2017, and the Oglebay Men’s Golf Club recently supported the purchase of new golf clubs for use by participating youth.
Eriks Janelsins, President and CEO of the Oglebay Foundation, believes the park’s youth instruction is a wonderful asset to the community. “The youth golf programs that Oglebay is offering to youth in the Ohio Valley are astounding. We are shaping the golfers and leaders of tomorrow by teaching them not only the game of golf but also the values of integrity, respect, and perseverance. These lessons are extremely powerful for the parks and our community.”