2005 MMJGA News
MMJGA Honor Caddie, Ben Shohrh, is named all conference. Congratulations, Ben!
Program Director Michael Hinton Nominated for PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award
In the small town of Lake City, Michigan, there wasn't a lot to keep a twelve-year-old boy occupied. So one day, like any wise father with a son facing the skittery edge of adolescence and a lot of extra time, Michael Hinton's dad took action: the two of them went golfing. They swung through the basics, got a feel for the course under their cleats, and headed home. Michael enjoyed the day, but didn't think too much of it.
A year later, when Michael was just thirteen, his father passed away. That was the year a professional golfer was born.
"I started playing out of respect and love for my father," Michael reflected. He continued playing all through his teen years, and achieved class A PGA status in 1996. He quickly steered his professional career toward teaching. "I've always been drawn to instruction," he said. "I know what the game of golf can mean to young people."
Today, so many years after that first day on the golf course, Michael's own work with youth is being officially recognized. Michael is a nominee for the PGA's Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award. This nomination, bestowed by the Minnesota chapter of the PGA, honors individuals who provide leadership and opportunities for young people in the game of golf and who demonstrate the personal character and discipline that embody true sportsmanship.
Since he began at MMJGA in 2000, Michael has brought a distinct philosophy to his work. "My goal isn't about numbers," Hinton says. "It's about keeping the kids active and involved."
James Cannon, a longtime caddie with MMJGA, agrees with Michael's approach. "When Michael started [with MMJGA], things really started going in the right direction. He made sure that the young kids really knew a lot about the game of golf. He made them take tests before they could caddie at the clubs. The kids are really working hard now. When you demand more there's a lot more excitement and pride."
Michael's work with the MMJGA was made possible by a grant from the PGA Foundation of America. It was this grant that first allowed MMJGA to hire a program director, and Michael was an excellent fit for the position. "Michael has made outstanding contributions," says Clayton Tyler, founder of the MMJGA. "We're grateful that, thanks to the generosity of the PGA, we have been able to benefit from Michael's skill with kids and hard work. We're thrilled that the PGA is also recognizing him with this very special nomination."
Michael remembers his time on the golf course with his father gratefully. "I never questioned what I wanted to do," he says. "And now I'm in a position to help kids who come from situations many of us can't even imagine. To be able to make even a small difference is an incredible privilege."
The winner of the Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award will be announced in the fall of 2004.
Tasha Phillips, a longtime MMJGA caddie is awarded prestigious Evans Scholarship
When Natasha (Tasha) Phillips was 12 years old, her stepfather took her to her first driving range. "Made me go is more like it," Tasha recalls with a laugh. "But then it started to be fun." Seeing her interest, her stepfather had another idea. As a member of the Board of Directors at the Hospitality House in North Minneapolis, he had noticed a new group that was meeting there: The Minnesota Minority Junior Golf Association. He encouraged Tasha to join.
"At first I didn't like caddying," Tasha admits. "It was a lot more work than I thought it would be." Struggling across a green with a golf bag almost as big as her was not Tasha's idea of summer fun.
"But then I really started liking it. I got paid to be outside and get exercise, and I started meeting people my own age that were interested in the same things I was."
Now, at age 17, Tasha's experience with the MMJGA has paved the way for another adventure. She was awarded the highly coveted Evans Scholarship, which provides full college tuition and housing for four years. Tasha, a graduate of Eden Prairie High School-where she was a member of the National Honor Society and played on the varsity golf team-has enrolled at the University of Minnesota. She recently completed orientation and has signed up for her fall classes. "I'm excited to get started," Tasha reports. Her course load includes: English, Italian, Introduction to Human Geography, and the Economics of Discrimination. She plans on majoring in psychology and African-American studies.
Tasha is the first MMJGA caddie to win the Evans Scholarship. "We couldn't be more thrilled for Tasha," states Clayton Tyler, founder of the MMJGA. "Tasha represents the MMJGA program at its very best. She's kept excellent grades, developed self-esteem and life skills, and has grown in both discipline and ambition. We know this marks only the first of many achievements that lie ahead for Tasha."
The Evans Scholarship, founded by Charles "Chick" Evans Jr. in 1930, provides deserving caddies with full tuition and housing, and is the largest privately funded college scholarship program in the nation. To qualify, recipients must rank in the top 25 percent of their high school class, have a superior caddie record for two or more years, show financial need and have exemplary personal character. Roughly 200 scholarships are awarded per year. Evans Scholarship recipients enjoy a 90 percent graduation rate, versus the 50 percent enrollee average. In addition to providing full tuition, the Evans Scholarship provides a room at the "Evans House" on campus.
Tasha will also be the first recipient of the MMJGA's own newly formed scholarship fund, which will help with other college expenses. Formed in 2004, this award is privately funded by 2nd Swing. The MMJGA receives funding from a variety of sources, including the PGA Foundation of America.
With her ambitious course load, Tasha probably won't have a lot of spare time for golf, but she looks back at her time with MMJGA with fondness. "I learned how to deal with a lot of different types of people. There are a lot of different personalities, and caddying for them helped me get along with almost everybody. That was the most important thing that I got out of MMJGA." A lesson that, to the 12-year-old Tasha, may have been as unwieldy as that enormous golf bag, but is now carried easily everywhere she goes.
MMJGA Caddies Invited to Participate in Nationwide Tour
Fifteen of MMJGA's top caddies packed up and headed out to Hudson, Wisconsin on July 7th for a rare opportunity to forecaddie and ball spot for the pros. MMJGA was contacted with a request for caddies by the Nationwide Tour, which came to Hudson the week of July 7th - July 11th. The event took place at the Troy Burne Golf Club. One hundred and fifty-six professional golfers competed for the tour trophy, and the top 20 finishers will received a one-year opportunity on the PGA tour.
The MMJGA caddies got an insider's look at the world of professional golf, and each caddie received $30 per round, lunch tickets, and a grounds ticket for admission to view the event the following day. "We're really excited about this trip," Program Director Michael Hinton reports. "It's a great way for the kids to get a glimpse at the world of professional golf, as well as to meet some inspiring athletes who are on their way up the ranks. We were honored to get the request, and are looking forward to a great day on the course."
MMJGA arranged for a bus to transport the group of caddies to the event.
The Nationwide Tour offers some other events of interest to youth: The "Shot at College" on July 6th gave young people a chance to compete for $25,000 in scholarship money. The tour organizers also have put out a call for volunteer Standard Bearers. More information can be found at http://www.scholarshipamericashowdown.com.