Mount Vernon Junior League golf instruction and competition has ended, but the experience taken away by the young golfers lives on.
Junior League ran for eight weeks at Vernon View Golf Course is at 901 Beech St. in Mount Vernon, as 30 players (boys and girls) ages 10-18 received instruction on putting and chipping, basic swing mechanics, the rules of golf and on-course play.
The golfers competed in three divisions, advancing levels when they carded a 36 or lower in their level of play. Levels for golfers are: Level 1 – putting; Level 2- 25 yards; Level 3 – 50 yards; Level 4 – 100 yards; Level 5 -0 150 yards; Level 6 – 200 yards.
Junior League instructor, T.T. Crouch, an assistant golf coach at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a former Mount Vernon High School Yellow Jacket Golfer and PGA tour competitor, said his goal for the league was to give back to the community because the community gave him so much growing up.
“I grew up playing Junior League, and I want kids to have the same experience I did,” Crouch said.
Leo Bailey, 10, who finished at Level 3 and placed second in overall score in the Mount Vernon GMC Division, said he enjoys the level designations and fast play.
“I like the levels and keeping track of our scores. I like playing and competing against other kids and like to play fast,” he said. When asked who his favorite golfer was, Bailey said, “Xander Schauffele. He’s a good player and he never gives up.”
Bailey’s brother, Silas Bailey, 12, competed in the Wendy’s Division and advanced to Level 5, finishing tied for first for lowest cumulative total in the division. He was gratified by his play and by the surroundings.
“I love the feeling that you get after hitting a good shot,” he said. “Chipping is my favorite part about golf. The course is really nice and the grass is trimmed really short around the greens.”
