The NRPA Golf Classic.

The day started overcast, but soon the sun came shinning through providing a mild, comfortable temperature for the NPRA Golf Classic held on July 11 at the Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville, Maryland. The National Recreation and Park Association, through its Urban Youth Initiative project, coordinated the tournament. The event assisted the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) with its Junior Golf program. The proceeds from this event will fund clinics, pay equipment feeds, transportation costs, and provide instruction to junior golfers.

Approximately 90 golfers participated in a round of play, a luncheon sponsored by The Lightspan Partnership, Inc., and were entertained by the R&B group, The Blackbyrds. The first place winners were the Showplace Arena team consisting of Joe Achkin, Don Leapley, Brian McDonald, and Dave Sullivan. Second place went to the Showplace Arena team of Bill Chambers, John Leonard, Hershel Lowe, and Mat Neitzey. Third place went to the Washington Homes, Inc. team of Buddy Dunnigan, Clint Jones, Pat Thompson, and Billy Wilder. The "Closest to Pin" winner was Hershel Lowe and the "Longest Drive" winner was Tom Richardson.

In attendance was Ms. Andia Winslow, who played in the tournament and was a guest speaker. Ms. Winslow, from Seattle, Washington, is the #1 ranked African-American female junior golfer in the country. She will be attending Yale University in the fall. Mr. James Hoffman, who is one of the top golfers in Prince George's county and a recent graduate of Bowie High School, also participated in the event. Mr. Hoffman will be attending Campbell College in North Carolina in the fall and will major in golf management. The Keynote speaker was Mr. Blaise Winter, an Appleton, Wisconsin resident and nationally recognized speaker. Mr. Winter put an exclamation point on a very successful day with his message of "ignoring our limitations and making a difference."

Over the past several years, golf has reached a new level of popularity in urban and inner city areas due in large part to Tiger Woods. Through this phenomenon, urban and inner city youths should have the opportunity to participate in golfing events and be supported and encouraged by their community. The hope of the NRPA is that the Urban Youth Initiative will aid our youth in recognizing and developing the skills necessary to be successful adults. This event is a model for future tournaments promoted by NRPA 2000 Urban Youth Initiative that will benefit Junior Golf in the United States.

Let's continue to get a hole in one.