Used golf clubs from three states will have a second life in the hands of juniors thanks to the efforts of Charles Besondy of Round Rock, Texas. In total, 115 used golf clubs valued at over $2,000 were donated by Besondy and his friends. The donated clubs will make it possible for the Austin Parks and Recreation department, who run five municipal courses in Austin, to offer golf instruction to more kids in their summer junior golf academy and clinics.
Round Rock resident Charles Besondy collected used golf clubs from his friends and business associates this summer so that the municipal golf courses in Austin would have enough clubs for their annual junior golf academy and clinics.
The charitable project was started in May and resulted in the donation of 115 clubs valued at over $2,000 from individuals in Texas, Oregon, and California.
“With the addition of these clubs to our existing inventory we’ll be able to give even more kids a great golf experience without spending our small budget on equipment,” said Beth Cleckler, Manager of Morris Williams golf course in Austin.
In June and July of 2006, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation, through its summer junior golf academy and 10 clinics, provided professional golf instruction to over 500 children ages 5-18. Some children from financially disadvantaged homes were provided scholarships by the department.
“When I was 9 years old an aunt and uncle put a golf club into my hands and we snuck together onto a nearby course at dusk to show me what golf was all about. I’ve loved the game ever since, and wanted to do my part to give kids a positive first experience with the sport,” said Besondy.
According to Besondy, his project was relatively easy and he encourages golfers in others towns to duplicate the program.
“Imagine the impact if every town with a junior golf program was able to give five to ten more kids a positive golf experience every year because the clinics had enough equipment. That would be huge for the kids, and for golf,” said Besondy.
People interested in collecting used golf clubs to help their local junior golf programs can contact Charles Besondy for free advice at 512-692-9642.
