One of the important traditions of golf is giving back to the game. The United States Golf Association and the American Junior Golf Association have a partnership aimed at the overall growth and development of junior golfers. While the initiative focuses on both community service and education, the community service component will be achieved with the formation of the Youth Leadership Club (YLC).

As an AJGA member participating in this program, members are expected to represent the YLC program with sportsmanship, character, integrity and leadership - so integral to the game of golf. Participants will gain valuable leadership and life skills that will reflect well on college applications, as well as understand the satisfaction that comes with assisting others.

Through the YLC, members are given opportunities to locate programs in their areas and offer their time, energy and talent to make an impact on the lives of fellow junior golfers. Members will be able to search for USGA-AJGA approved programs by city, state or zip code. Once a program is located, please call or e-mail them for further information and instruction about how to volunteer. If members are currently assisting an organization not listed, ask the program director to fill out the application on the AJGA Web site for approval. If a member needs help locating a program, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call the AJGA for assistance.

The programs AJGA members will be working with understand the time constraints of being a top-level junior golfer and will work around schedules for school and competitions. However, please remember that volunteering for a program requires ongoing involvement and the programs expect members to honor that commitment.

We hope members will share in our enthusiasm for this important initiative. It is our responsibility, as stewards of the game, to share our passion and knowledge with those who are learning to play.

If you are not a current YLC Member, you may join the YLC when signing up for your 2008 AJGA Membership or if you are a current AJGA member, you may update your status in the AJGA Player Center – “Update Your Membership Information.”

For more information, please contact Chief Operations Officer Mark Oskarson at moskarson@ajga.org.