BUFFALO, N.Y. — Some children took time Monday to learn a new skill at OnCore Golf. The free clinic not only teaches kids the sport, but also life lessons.
"They are learning honesty and integrity first and foremost. When you're playing golf, if you hit a bad shot, you have to play from that shot," Coach Ronald Langhorne said. "So it's teaching you grit, it's teaching you resilience to never give up, to have dreams, to have goals, have aspirations, it's teaching you hard work."
Langhorne has been coaching for years. He said golf "is so great for personal development, character, and networking."
The clinic is thanks to several organizations in Western New York: I'm Just a Golfer, First Tee of WNY, Majority Mindset, OnCore Golf and Diversity Golf Association, partnered together.
Several children participated in Monday's 'Putt Your On Game' Academy. The free clinic makes sure all kids have the opportunity to golf. Steve Coulton, Co-Founder of OnCore Golf, said it was a "no brainer" to allow these organizations to come in and host a free clinic in the facility. He said his organization is focused on making the game more accessible.
Children were able to learn the basics of the sport including how to putt, the rules and more. Dewitt Lee, a collaborator with 'I'm Just a Golfer,' teamed up with the organizations for the clinic. He said, "we're covering every aspect of what it means to be a great golfer."
Judah was one of those students who participated in Monday's clinic. It was his very first time golfing.
"It felt good to get all my energy out," Judah said.
Tim Karches, Executive Director of First Tee Western New York, agrees with the clinic's mission.
"We're really breaking down barriers and bringing the game to kids that otherwise wouldn't have access to it," Karches said. "It's really about access and representation."
Langhorne said he also wants kids to dream and set goals. He added, "I want kids from Orchard Park to become friends with kids from the east side and west side of Buffalo. I want to see dreams and aspirations grow. I want to see collaborations grow."