By Jim Crandall
Contributed

After closing down for months because of the pandemic, Grandfathers for Golf (GFG) is starting up its free golf program for children in the Hemet/San Jacinto area at the end of August. The call is out for parents to sign up their kids and for volunteer instructors of any golf ability to join this immensely popular local program.
Sign-ups are now open for the fall/winter session. Classes will start at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24 at Echo Hills Golf Course, 545 E. Thornton Ave., Hemet, or 3:30 p.m. Thursday Aug. 26 at Hemet Golf Course Driving Range, 7575 World Cup Ave., Hemet. Strict COVID protocols are in place whenever there is a group setting.
Enrollment in GFG is simple. Go to www.grandfathersforgolf.org/signup and follow the simple steps. Sign-ups are also available by calling 909-754-4148. Sign-up and participation are completely free. Every child is supplied with a golf shirt, hat, golf clubs and bag of their very own, as well as eight to 10 lessons per session.
Volunteer instructors are needed
Volunteers commit to as few as two to four hours a week. GFG volunteers come with all types of golf skills. You don’t have to be a great golfer; you just need to convey your love of the game to a child.
Anyone interested in becoming a GFG volunteer please call Tony at 909-754-4148.
About Grandfathers for Golf
Grandfathers for Golf, Inc. has been a part of the San Jacinto Valley and surrounding communities for over 25 years. The program now teaches the children of early participants of the program. GFG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to teaching children how to play golf. In addition to learning the game of golf, children learn valuable life skills such as courtesy, etiquette, sportsmanship, perseverance, self-confidence and patience to name a few.
As the result of the program, a parent recently wrote GFG to thank us because, for the first time, her child requested some “golf equipment” rather than their usual request for a “game card” for their computer.