The Oskaloosa youth golf clinic and camp, hosted by Oskaloosa Golf, Harvest Point Golf Course and Edmundson Golf Course, had 15 volunteers working with over 70 youth to teach the sport this past season. The kick off began at Harvest Point Golf Course  with a special needs class taught by Oskaloosa Golf Club volunteers John Pothoven, Joe McCurdy Roger Parlett, Tom Gillespie and Jim Spry. Hananiah Doak set his own goal and attained that goal. Proof of this was seen as he clapped  for joy when he made a putt, after picking up the ball and placing it three inches away from his target. Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation (MCRF) partnered to assist the special needs class taking part in the clinic. Four scholarships were granted through MCRF. Conner Gituma and Parker Knox also participated in the special needs clinic.

Seventy youth attended orientation and 15 golf instructors worked with the youth teams to teach golf basics of how to grip, putt and drive. The co-ed youth camp continued for four weeks with  more  lessons and ended with a camp pizza party. The 2009 Mahaska County Junior Golf Program provided a range of  services for youth in the areas of health, wellness and education, encouraging youth to participate in outdoor recreation.

"It's was pretty amazing  to see over 70 youth learning and participating in  golf and it's wonderful that we can benefit such a diverse group of  youth. I was glad with the joint venture of the three golf courses and I thank all those who volunteered time away from their busy schedules to join us here," said John Pothoven, President of the Oskaloosa Golf  LLC.

All three golf courses in Oskaloosa were happy to participate in the event and Jeff Smith of Harvest Point Golf Course willingly lead the organizing and grouping of youth to allow them to gain the most from the clinic. “I was very pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the kids,” said Jeff Peterson of Edmundson Golf. "Part of our job as golf professionals is to grow the game of golf, the juniors today are the future of golf. I thought everything went very well, the response from the kids and their parents was great. The kids were willing to learn and had fun.”

“This was a marvelous example of cooperation between the three Oskaloosa golf courses and MCRF. We were able to introduce golf to many, many new people. We look forward to nurturing kids of all abilities as they continue to use golf as a game for life,” said Jeff Smith of Harvest Point golf when asked how he felt about the success of the clinic.

MCRF extended a special thank you to Jeff Smith and Jeff Peterson, PGA professionals, and to Cindy Junkins for taking care of all of the registrations and the vast amount of  paperwork to make this possible. Participating volunteers in the Oskaloosa Youth Golf. Clinic were; John Bowker, PGA Professional Jeff Peterson, Tom Gillespie, Matt Sherlock, Cindy Junkins, PGA Professional Jeff Smith, Joe McCurdy, Lori Smith, Dean Matis, Mike smith, Dave nelson, Ted Smith, Roger Parlett, Tyler Smith (Oskaloosa High School golf Team,) John Pothoven, Jim spry, David Ornduff, Gibb Whitlatch (Oskaloosa High School Golf Team.)

Meeting Held for MCRF and Special Olympics Partnership

MCRF and Special Olympics is forming a partnership in order to bring some programs to the Mahaska community. In order to raise awareness of some programs, including the Young Athletes program which is for 2-8 year olds, a presentation was held on February 10, 2009 at the Oskaloosa Public Library. The presentor was Kathy Irving, Director of Special Programs at Special Olympics Iowa. Information about the programs as well as how to become a coach was available. For more information please contact Jessica Gituma at 641-676-2901.