Image of golf hole and flagstick imbedded between the letters M A B G A.MIDDLE ATLANTIC BLIND GOLF ASSOCIATION

MABGA

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

 

 

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MABGA Junior Golf

 

Revised 01/24/2012

 

 

On this page:

New 2011 Junior Golf Video

First Tee Information.

Junior Golf Clinic schedule at Overbrook School for the Blind.

Schedule for Walnut Lane Outings.

Emails from parents of Junior golfers

 

In June of 2011, Comcast Sport Net ran a 5 minute 20 second segment on our Junior Blind Golf program and featured several of our junior members.  Click on the link on the left of this screen to view that video now.

 

Free Golf Clinic

FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGES 5-21, WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED.

 

                                  MIDDLE ATLANTIC BLIND GOLF ASSOCIATION

 

          We are pleased to announce that MABGA and FIRST TEE  are joining together to initiate an exciting new pilot program. We are not trying to combine our organizations, but we are trying to see how each of our groups can help the other in achieving better golf skills and creating the opportunity for dialogue between the children of each group. The program is scheduled to begin the  spring of 2011 and continue through the summer and fall. This does not mean that you will lose any of the current benefits that you have. We will still have our outings twice a year at the Overbrook School for the Blind and you will still have access to your P.G.A. professional for lessons. Nothing has changed, in fact our first clinic is scheduled for May 14, 2011 at 10 A.M. There will be a separate notice sent prior to the clinic.

           In the world of Junior Golf, the New Year 2011, promises to be an exciting venture into peer education in both golf and living. We plan to have our members interact with the First Tee Program at Walnut Lane Golf Club in Philadelphia. This will be a first for both programs. This will be a first for physically challenged children to help teach golf and also how a blind child copes with the demands of growing up in a sighted world. We are encouraging our members’ cooperation and participation in this joint endeavor with the First tee Program. It will also be a first for the First Tee children to teach the blind about golf and what it takes for them to grow up in the same world. Dave Smith, and Dave Zinnaro, P.G.A. members, are in charge of the program at Walnut Lane. Dave Smith also happens to be the coach of our Patrick Molloy and has been for many years. Patrick has worked at Walnut Lane for the past two summers. Dave knows both programs and will be the catalyst for things to come. Gil and I will still be doing our thing and in addition will have input with the First Tee.

          We believe that the learning by teaching will become a fixture in both lives and will be something they can use as they become adults. If this pilot program is successful, it will be something that can be utilized by the First Tee throughout the country. It will also show, not just what the blind can do, but also what any physically challenged child can accomplish. It is our intention to strengthen all children involved in this project, both blind and sighted, in the process of maturing in the game of golf and its many social aspects.

          MABGA and the First Tee Golf Program strongly recommend and encourage all parents to participate in this pilot program to help your child enjoy the game of golf and reach their goals.

           

     Please email Gil Kayson  or Norman Kritz  at  juniorblindgolf@mabga.org,

 

or call  Norman at 856-428-1420 with any questions or concerns

 

THIS PILOT PROGRAM IS AN IMPORTANT UNDERTAKING FOR MABGA. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM. WE NEED TO PLAN WITH FIRST TEE SO THAT WE CAN BETTER HELP YOUR CHILD.

 

 

                               2011 MABGA/ the First Tee Philadelphia Golf Program Schedule

 

April 9th   11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Clinic- Putting/Chipping- Life Skills- Meet-n-Greet-                                                                                                                       Tips for having more fun and Codes of Conduct( Walnut Lane)

 

April 23rd   10A.M. to 12:00 P.M. ------ Play 7 Holes- Scramble (Walnut Lane)

 

May 7th       11A.M. to 12:30 P.M.     Clinic- Chipping/Big Swing—Life Skills—Staying                                                               Cool- Shooting Par—Personal Par (Walnut Lane)

 

May 14th 10A.M. to 12 A.M.              Clinic at the Overbrook School for the Blind

 

 

May 21st 10:A.M. to 12:00 P.M.           Play 7 Holes Alternate Shot

 

June 4th   11:A.M. to 12:30 P.M.           Clinic- Review- Completion Day/Skills Challenges—Life Skills—Vocab Quiz

 

June 18th 10 A.M. to 12:00 P.M..        Play 7 Holes- Championship Tournament

                     

 

 

There Will Be a Spring And Fall Clinic At The Overbrook School For The Blind

The event will run From 10:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON With FREE PIZZA TO FOLLOW.

 

The next scheduled fall outing is

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
10:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON  (FREE PIZZA TO FOLLOW)

 

We will play rain or shine.

 

OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
6333 Malvern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151

 

Please email us at juniorblindgolf@mabga.org, or call  one of our directors at the numbers listed below to reserve a spot for you:

 

Gil Kayson  – 215-884-6589
 

OR

 

Norman  Kritz – 856-428-1420 OR cell: 609-680-5480
 

 MIDDLE ATLANTIC BLIND GOLF ASSOCIATION IS LOOKING FOR BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN AGES 5-21 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING  TO PLAY GOLF.  WE ARE NEAR YOUTH LIVING IN PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY OR DELAWARE.  WE CAN ALSO ACCOMMODATE THOSE OF YOU WHO LIVE OUTSIDE THE DELAWARE VALLEY.   WE PROVIDE EACH PLAYER WITH A PGA TEACHER WHO WILL GIVE LESSONS NEAR A GOLF COURSE NEAR the junior golfer's home.  WE WILL ALSO PROVIDE GOLF CLUBS, GOLF BALLS, AND A GOLF BAG.  WE CAN TEACH YOU HOW TO PLAY GOLF!  TRANSPORTATION TO THE LESSONS IS NOT INCLUDED. 

 

Our GOLF CLINIC AT THE OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND IN PHILADELPHIA, SEE ABOVE FOR DATES AND TIMES.  AFTER  PLAYING golf, there are PRIZES, PIZZA AND SOFT DRINKS provided.

 

ALL THIS IS FREE of charge to the junior golfer!

IN ADDITION, THIS YEAR WE ARE PLANNING TO HAVE INDOOR LESSONS FOR YOU DURING THE WINTER.  WE HOPE TO HAVE TWO PLACES, ONE IN SOUTH PHILLY AND ONE IN NORTH JERSEY.  KEEP TUNED IN.

 

The MABGA Junior Golf Program is also planning two outings At The Walnut Lane Golf Course.  Dates and times to be announced later.    The format  is a 6 Hole Modified Alternate Shot event AND LUNCH is provided after our round.  All expenses are covered by MABGA and are free to all eligible Participants.

 

Walnut Lane Golf Course
800 Walnut Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19128

  

In 1994 the Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association (MABGA) initiated a program of specialized golfing lessons to blind youth of Philadelphia and suburban communities.  Today, the Association’s Blind Junior Golf Program provides each junior golfer with one-on-one instruction by volunteer PGA professionals, Golf clubs and all equipment to play the great game of golf.   All junior golf activities are provided at the golf course, located on the grounds of the Overbrook School for the Blind, which includes a nine-hole chip-and-putt course and a beautiful putting green.  The course was dedicated in 1996 and named in memory of the late Robert Allman, a prominent Philadelphia attorney and founder of MABGA. 

 

Allman Golf Course was designed by Norman Kritz and his family and built specifically for blind boys and girls, with labor provided by the Overbrook School Maintenance Department.  We host at least two golf outings every year for our junior golfers at this site.  

   

The current chairman of the Blind Junior Golf Program, Gilbert KAYSON, is committed to promoting the benefits of recreational golfing.  "Nothing that I have ever done has been as satisfying as this venture." 

 

Any boy or girl, through age 21, who is vision impaired/blind and interested in participating or in learning more about golfing can reach  ONE OF OUR DIRECTORS BY EMAIL AT juniorblindgolf@mabga.org OR CALL THE NUMBERS LISTED ABOVE.

 

Below are a few  emails from parents of children who participated  in the junior golf events:

 

Dear Norman     :

 

Thank you so much for yesterday. AJ and our family had a

Wonderful day and we cannot thank you enough for all your wonderful friends who

Helped to make it a great day.

 

Dave was a very nice guy and it was great getting a chance

To meet him. I cannot tell you as a parent with a blind child that loves

Sports more than anything in this world, what a great day it was yesterday to

See him with a smile on his face and just loving life. It meant everything

In the world to us to have a day as a family and to share AJ with all of

You.

 

Thank you again for yesterday.

Kim Moncman

 

Subject: Thank you

Norman,

 

Thank you once again for including Patrick in your planning for the Junior Blind Golf outing at Walnut Lane. I heard he had a great time.  Once again we appreciate all that you have done with this group. It has meant so much to Patrick and affected him in such a positive way we are forever in your debt for all that you have done. To that end.... if there is ever a time when Patrick can help you by speaking to a group, making phone calls, whatever you need.... please don't hesitate to ask. He would be glad to help in any way he could. Thanks again. Be well.

 

Mike