Jesse Crowe goes the extra kilometre for junior golf in Salmon Arm.
The Vernon native has been rewarded with the PGA of BC 2015 Forestar Golf Community Leadership Bursary, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates an extraordinary desire and passion to to use their abilities to make a difference in the lives of others, setting an example of ‘giving back’ with which all PGA of BC members are proud to be associated.
“It’s awesome, very cool,” said Crowe of the honour.
Crowe, 35, is the head teaching professional at Salmon Arm Golf Club and has made a concentrated effort to grow the junior program.
“His community-minded approach to growing junior golf has seen Crowe connect with other minor sports associations in Salmon Arm, including soccer and hockey, to introduce as many youth to golf as possible,” said Forestar officials. “He has also gained the support from local businesses, and makes a conscience effort to ensure the junior golf program is promoted along all avenues.”
“We’re doing so many good things right now with junior golf,” said Crowe. “We’ve had great community support from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Salmon Arm GM to help restore the junior program here. Now, we have between 60 and 80 junior golfers aged 12 and under.”
Crowe plans to use the funds to further promote programs using local media outlets, in addition to jumpstarting Salmon Arm’s Golf in Schools program and covering some of the costs associated with junior players entering and travelling to tournaments in 2016.
The Apprentice of the Year presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon Canada, went to Tyrel Griffith of Black Mountain Golf Course in Kelowna. Griffith throws second rocks for Vernon superstar curler Jim Cotter.
Crowe, who played college golf for the Camosun Chargers in Victoria, will play with Cody Bell of Salmon Arm in the new $90,000 Nike Golf PGA Team Championship of Canada, Oct. 26-29 at the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda.
Crowe and Bell tied for seventh at 3-under 69 in a qualifying tournament Aug. 11 at Tobiano in Kamloops.
Vernon head pro Shannon Glenesk and assistant Justin Baillargeon also qualified by shooting 68, good for a share of fifth spot.
