Junior golf course breaks down barriers to participation

The Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation realized a dream June 21 when the Betty Allison Junior Golf Course in Springfield opened to the public. This four-hole golf facility, which is adjacent to Rivercut Golf Course, is helping break many of the financial and physical barriers that have prevented youths and those with disabilities from learning how to play the game.

Golf has long been regarded as a sport for the prosperous, because greens fees can be steep, golf equipment is expensive and the cost of lessons can add up quickly.

These financial barriers don't exist at the Betty Allison Junior Golf Course. The course doesn't charge greens fees, and clubs, balls and other equipment are provided to children for free. Kids also can get free training and instruction and learn golf etiquette.

"This is a great opportunity for kids from around the community to be introduced to the game of golf at no cost," said Rick Grayson, president of Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation. "This course provides a place to learn the game, to play the game and to develop a love for the game."

The course also has eliminated many of the physical barriers that have prevented disabled youths from learning and enjoying the game. The greens are planted with Zoysia grass, instead of the traditional bentgrass greens. Zoysia grass was used so youths who use wheelchairs, or those who use walkers or crutches, can come onto the green without harming the putting surface, Grayson said.

The course also has its own practice area with a putting green, sand bunker and driving range tee. These practice facilities allow junior golfers to work on their game at their own pace.

The course also is scaled to match the strength and skill level of young and disabled golfers, said Grayson, with the holes ranging between 35 yards and 55 yards.

"This course is absolutely perfect for our athletes," said Susan Miles, director of Champion Athletes of the Ozarks, which helps disabled children and adults. "Some of the other courses we play on are too long, too hilly or too challenging. With this course, our athletes can come out, play four holes, get an understanding of the game and not feel fatigued when they finish. It's just wonderful."

The Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation got the funds needed to build the new kids' course by obtaining grants and funding from the Missouri Golf Association and the U.S. Golf Association. The foundation also received many charitable gifts from private sponsors and individual donors. The Springfield/Greene County Parks Board donated the land and will maintain the course, which has its own cart paths, watering system, maintenance facilities and parking lot.

Since the grand opening, more than 250 people have played at the Betty Allison Junior Golf Course, said Grayson. Because an adult must accompany a child who is playing, many families use the course.

"This is a good little course for families to play on," said Dorl Sweet, vice president of the Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation. "It's a great training ground, and it will allow junior golfers to start just a little bit earlier."

Grayson said the family atmosphere at the course will be enhanced once a new clubhouse is built.

The clubhouse, which will be approximately 900 square feet, will be decorated in a children's motif.

Grayson estimated construction on the clubhouse would begin this fall, and the new facility should be completed in spring 2003.

"Parents will be able to use the clubhouse for things like birthday parties, and then they can take the kids out and play golf," said Grayson.

Construction of the new clubhouse will be financed through donations and tournaments that are sponsored by the Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation, Grayson said.

The foundation also plans to use some of the proceeds to fund a college scholarship program for junior golfers.

The foundation held a chip, pitch and putt tournament for junior golfers Aug. 2 at Rivercut Golf Course. Awards were presented to the best chipper, pitcher and putter in five age categories. An award also was presented to the best overall player.

The Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation also is sponsoring the Ozarks Junior Golf Pro Am, which will be held Oct. 4 at Rivercut Golf Course.

That evening several local golfers will be inducted into the Ozarks Golf Hall of Fame.

Proceeds from both events will benefit the Heart of the Ozarks Junior Golf Foundation.