Suffice it to say, this year’s PGA program administered by the Brooklyn Golf Alliance, Inc, partnering with Millennium Development (Bergen Beach Youth Organization) and hosted by the Marine Park Golf Course, was the most successful effort since our first year’s program in 2018.

Our Spring, 2023 cohort of 35 youngsters, ages 8 -14, recruited from local public schools, was fully subscribed. Six consecutive Tuesday afternoon sessions commenced on May 2, with the culminating final session and family recognition ceremony taking place on June 6th. Our summer program, populated by another group of 35 youngsters, largely new recruits, began on July 11th for another six consecutive Tuesdays through August 15th.

Thanks to financial support from NY City Councilmembers Farah Louis and Mercedes Narcisse, who secured us a $55,000 grant as well as a $10,000 sponsorship from Morgan Stanley, we were able to purchase a full complement of new,” kid-sized” youth golf clubs as well as innovative game equipment that served as additional motivation for the participants. With the critical support of the PGA Junior League, we were able to offer our program at no charge.

Instruction was led by our PGA carded pro, Sal Frasca, most aptly aided by our Associate Director of Instruction Dr. Roman Matthews. At the outset of our season, Dr. Matthews, a certified First Aid, CPR with AED training instructor, offered us a most valuable four-hour training session which was attended by our lead instructors and staff of the Marine Park Golf Course. Eight members of our team received certification.

The youngsters were divided into groups, at each three-hour session, and rotated through each of the skills training modules. The progress of the participants was remarkable and the feedback from family members was most complementary (see attached sample comment). The program consisted of an introduction to the sport of golf including the goals of the game, on-course and practice area safety, equipment, gripping the clubs, club selection, the swing (putting, chipping, and pitching, full swing), golf course set-up, teamwork, and golf etiquette. Thanks to the support of the PGA Junior League program, all youngsters received a “swag bag” with a personalized tee shirt and hat.

This year, our program was also significantly enhanced by the addition of an Administrative Manager, Marisa Mamet, who served in many roles including organizing and maintaining our record-keeping systems for registration, email outreach and information for the instructors and participants, weekly check-in, timekeeping, and general program administration.

Our lead instructors were ably assisted by instructors, Harry Rodus, James Donaldson, Sal Coccaro, Anthony Curiale, Thomas Giordano, Joseph Steele, and Antonio Mancini as well as staff of Millennium Development, led by Executive Director, Paul Curiale, and Elite Learners.

At the end of each six-week session, the sponsors hosted a “completion and recognition ceremony”, where students were recognized with Certificates, trophies, and a buffet spread of great food, including pizza supplied by La Bella, a great local restaurant.

For more information: contact Mike Weiss at: mweiss@brooklyngolfalliance.org

Comments About Our 2023 PGA Junior League Program

Golfer age: 11
Session: Spring
Outstanding top notch professional service with Sal. Sal is a great teacher.

Session: Summer
You guys were amazing and incredibly kind, patient and informative. Thank you so much for all you did for my junior golfers! 💙 (ages 7,10)

Session: Summer
My golfer (age 12) appreciated how Roman offered instruction to him. Roman showed him and then showed him again and then asked my golfer to demonstrate. vs telling him and moving on — this catered to his learning style and his quite demeanor (he would not ask for clarification). I appreciated how Marisa communicated via email. Her email had enough information to answer the questions I would have or my golfer would have and minimized the need to reach out with additional questions. Her emails were to timely and again, provided me with what we needed to know and any actions needed. I appreciated how Marisa knew the name of my golfer and greeted him when he arrived. He felt seen, known and comfortable. My golfer is shy, quiet, and mild mannered—- all of the above experiences made him feel seen and contributed to the “fun “ he had ( a big complement from him.)

Session: Spring
It's so hard to pinpoint one thing. I really loved everything! It was all done with so much love and care. From my initial email to sign up to the ceremony at the end. The attention to detail. The drinking water, the unexpected gifts like hat and t-shirt, the hugs, the high fives, the everything! The location was awesome since the parking, the bathroom were close by and there was great shade from the sun.

I wanted to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to the PGA Jr. League and its sponsors: Brooklyn Golf Alliance, Inc, Marine Park Golf Course, Bergen Beach Youth Organization, Council Members Mercedes Narcisse and Farah Louis, Millennium Development, Bical Auto Mall, and Robert B. Catell for their invaluable support. Your commitment to promoting youth sports and providing our children with such a memorable experience is truly commendable.

Throughout the program, our kids (age 9) were treated with utmost care, provided with top-notch gear, and guided by an exceptional team of coaches. The dedication, passion, and expertise demonstrated by the coaches were truly inspiring. Their patience, encouragement, and positive influence have not only helped our children improve their golfing abilities but have also left a lasting impact on their character development.

This journey has been nothing short of beautiful, filled with joy, growth, and cherished memories. It is thanks to your unwavering support that our children were able to participate in such an exceptional program. Your contributions have made a significant difference in their lives and have provided them with opportunities they may not have had otherwise.

Thank you for all that you do, and may your kindness and generosity continue to inspire and uplift the lives of many more young individuals in the future.