Mamaroneck CAP youngsters learn golf at Hampshire CC

Juan Vasquez eagerly awaits the arrival of Tuesday morning, when he can once again gather alongside his friends at the Hampshire Country Club to pick up a club, and learn the basics of golf technique and strategy.

Vasquez is one of five young boys, aged 9-14, participating in a 7-week golf program at Hampshire Country Club. All five of the boys also belong to Mamaroneck's Community Action Program (CAP), a non-profit organization that extends a hand to at-risk members of the community.

When Stephen Till, Hampshire Country Club General Manager, first signed off on the idea to host a golf camp, he knew CAP was the organization to reach out to.

"CAP does a fantastic job engaging members of our community and this golf program gives these kids another opportunity to learn something new and continue to grow.

The golf program, which began in early  July, runs every Tuesday morning through the end of the summer and provides Vasquez and his friends the chance to have fun and enjoy the opportunities the country club has to offer.

Under the guidance of Golf Pro Rob Sutton, the boys spend an hour hitting balls off the tee while Sutton goes over both golf and sportsmanship education. A volunteer senior citizen form the club, Mr. Burt Astern, also helps out, working with the kids on their golf game.

"The kids really seem to love it," Sutton said, "Many of them had never picked up a golf club before they got here, but they are quick learners and already understand the techniques and rules of the game."

In addition to the golf lessons, the boys are also given access to many of the club's other amenities, including the vegetable garden as well as the heated swimming and wading pools. According to Mr. Till, many times the kids pick vegetables from the garden to take home with them at the end of the day.

Two other children from CAP also take part in this 7 week summer program, working as interns in other areas of the country club. One participant, Troy, has gained a tremendous amount of experience in the kitchen as a chef, while another, Kevin, is involved in building repair and infrastructure upkeep.

Hampshire Country Club, which closed down in 2009 due to financial difficulties, reopened in 2010 under new management. Since then it has committed itself to helping out and engaging with all members of the local community.

"Everyone at Hampshire Country Club is invested in helping our community any way that we can," Till said. "I am really looking forward to continuing this golf program in the summers to come."