Monterey County non-profit helping junior golfers

Many of the professional golfers in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am started playing when they were young and now they’re inspiring the future generation of golfers.

However, a Monterey County non-profit it also inspiring young golfers by introducing them to the game of golf.

The AT&T Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association introduces the sport to kids ages 6 to 18-years-old. It teaches kids how to play golf the right way and about golf etiquette.

The kids also compete in tournaments throughout the year.

“I love competing. I love the aggressiveness,” said 14-year-old Salinas resident Jara Gomez.

“I’m a senior now and I am going to play college golf at San Jose and hopefully after play in the LPGA,” said 17-year-old Seaside resident Antonia Malate.

“I started playing with the AT&T junior golf when I was 10-years-old and it inspired me to keep playing,” said 15-year-old Prunedale resident Alexander Iniakov.

Now they’re inspiring those who work with the association.

“It’s unreal. They’re better than any one of us when we were young. It’s exciting to watch. It’s the most fun when you see the young ones having fun,” said Tournament Director Travis McCabe.

“I love hanging with my friends after a round I do cartwheels and we run around and have fun,” said 11-year-old Prunedale resident Nicole Iniakov.

But it’s not all just fun and games, The AT&T Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association teaches kids important life lessons both on and off the links.

“At the end of the day we are really a professional development program disguised as a golf program. Our kids learn how to look people in the eye, shake their hand and maybe in a day and age when you don’t like to lose, you lose a lot more than you ever win in golf and our kids learn how to lose with dignity and with class,” said Board President Mark Pritchard.

“I learned how to talk to people more,” said Nicole Iniakov.

“I learned not to rage i guess and not get mad when I mess up,” said 10-year-old Carmel resident Jonathan Chen.

“I learned to be respectful in more than just on the course and how to get yourself out there,” said 10-year-old Pebble Beach resident Cullen Pritchard.

The kids are also playing on some world renowned course on the Central Coast and may wind up staying in the area after they graduate.

“I’ve seen so many stay in the program, graduate and get scholarships, go to college, come back to the community become pros or stay in the golf world it’s wonderful,” said Executive Director Linda Tunney.

For more information on the association itself and scholarships they offer click here.