Columnist Victoria Sun: SNJGA making run at new members

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, April 10, 2002 | 9:37 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

With summer approaching, the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association is hoping to increase its membership.

"They can join any time they want during the year," SNJGA executive director Jane Schlosser said. "But I encourage them to sign up before June because that's our main season.

"There are about 60 tournaments during the summer in Southern Nevada including team events."

The SNJGA has approximately 500 members. Schlosser said 250 signed up just last year.

"We can accommodate 1,000 new juniors through tournaments or developmental programs," she said. "I think kids and parents are finding more value in what golf teaches them as a lifelong sport as opposed to any other sport."

The SNJGA is open to boys and girls of all abilities ages 6 to 17.

For kids who have never played golf, the SNJGA suggests enrolling in the Danny Gans Developmental League at Callaway Golf Center. The six-week program is free and the next session will start the week of June 2.

There are five different levels of competition in the program.

"It's a preparatory program that's recommended for all beginners who want to play junior golf," Schlosser said. "They will learn developmental skills such as chipping and putting.

"Kids will also learn basic life skills such as the values of honesty, integrity and other lessons."

A one-year SNJGA membership costs $80 which includes, shirt, hat, bag tags, newsletters, entry form to different tournaments and discounts at different courses.

"It's a great opportunity for kids to play golf tournaments for $15 to $30," Schlosser said. "Every golf course in Las Vegas has committed to having tournaments including Southern Highlands, Bear's Best and Tuscany."

For more information on the SNJGA call 458-4653. Call Jim Hart at 433-0626 ext. 209 for information on the Danny Gans Developmental League.