Columnist Dean Juipe: City needs to expand youth golf

Dean Juipe

Wednesday, July 14, 1999 | 9:53 a.m.

Dean Juipe's column appears Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. His boxing notebook appears Thursday. Reach him at juipe@lasvegassun.com or 259-4084.

As much as this can be generalized, the world is envious of anyone who's a good golfer.

There's something about it.

Golfers -- good golfers, that is -- have paid their dues when it comes to putting in the time and effort it takes to master such a difficult sport. They also probably came from money, or had some money in their background, as golf is not a game that comes cheaply.

As a result of that discipline and having had the financial resources it takes, golfers tend to be decent people. Aside from their ability, they have a focus.

That combination allows them to be productive in everyday life.

But there's also something to be said for people who golf but aren't especially good at it, as if the mere attempt builds character.

As pro golfer Jim Colbert of Las Vegas writes in the current issue of Vegas Golf magazine, "I have never met a juvenile delinquent who played golf."

It's a thought-provoking statement and a reminder of sorts that golf, subconsciously at least, inspires its participants to succeed and to do it within the framework of very identifiable guidelines.

Golfers strive to be the best they can and to do it without cheating. As a result, it's an admirable pursuit.

If a parent has the means to steer a child into golf, there are tangible benefits. The youngster may or may not be the next Jack Nicklaus but he or she will come across some valuable lessons.

Unfortunately, golf hasn't always been available to the masses. There's no denying it is elitist in a way.

But there's a glimmer of hope that the sport's reach can be expanded, and, in time, a game usually associated with middle class or wealthy Caucasians may become increasingly available to a broader audience. If that were to happen, in theory there would be fewer juvenile delinquents if nothing else.

Toward that goal, Colbert has become involved with a new program initiated by the World Golf Foundation (and partially subsidized by the PGA Tour) entitled "First Tee." The idea is to bring golf to youngsters who otherwise would never set foot on a range or a course.

In Las Vegas, First Tee remains in the discussion stage although it has the clout of the Las Vegas Founder's Club behind it. An early recommendation is to build a facility that can be used -- perhaps even exclusively -- by youngsters.

Included in the funding would be teachers and instructors.

Colbert is hot on the idea and has already contributed to a First Tee facility being built at his alma mater, Kansas State University. The course, to be called Colbert Hills, will open in May and will be available to disadvantaged youngsters on a camp-like basis.

Las Vegas owes it to itself to build something similar.

Junior golf in this city is doing fine -- Saturday is the second annual Las Vegas Junior Golf Day, sponsored by the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association -- and if you're interested it's a good time to get involved. Yet more needs to be done than setting aside a single day for free instruction for novices and youngsters.

Las Vegas has the wherewithal to make a serious commitment to a golf program that's designed to attract kids from less fortunate neighborhoods, and it should do it without balking at the cost.

It should push First Tee beyond the discussion stage and toward a fruitful reality.