On the green

Town embraces golfing for kids

Weehawken pre-teens are being introduced to golfing via the Recreation Department’s summer golf clinic, and teenagers are learning through the advanced golf program at the Weehawken Golf Academy.
Retired teacher Carnig Nersesian and Councilman Robert Zucconi, a golf enthusiast, help train the kids. Nersesian has been a Weehawken resident for 44 years, and taught math at Weehawken High School for 42 years.
Throughout the month of July, the golf clinic introduced the sport to children between the ages of 8 to 12.
The group of about 10 children met at Weehawken High School’s newest football field next to Town Hall once a week. The group also met at the park by Lincoln Harbor twice a week to learn chipping, putting, and full swing techniques.
“We made an investment down at the waterfront with the putting green,” said Narsesian. “So the kids have the advantage of that, plus the instruction. Hopefully, they’ll come and go through the program and come and play for the high school team.”
For teenagers ages 13 to 17, an advanced golf program is available Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August. The kids are taken to Bowling Green Golf Club in Milton, N.J., where the township made a deal to allow three revolving junior memberships. The students are taught by Councilman Zucconi with a limited number of lessons taught by a certified PGA professional.

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“I think it’s a great program for young kids to really learn golf this early.” – Toni Fukuda
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Narsesian collects golf clubs from people who donate them. Otherwise, the kids might have to put golf lessons at the end of their list because of the expense of the equipment.
“If they wouldn’t have clubs, they wouldn’t have the interest,” he said.
The township’s Recreation Department also runs golf programs throughout the rest of the year for both kids and adults. Those who would like more information should contact the Recreation Department at (201) 319-6061.

The benefits

Councilman Zucconi shared his philosophy on why golf is important. “My philosophy is this: we live in an urban area, and urban areas aren’t kind to people who want to play golf because there’s no place to do it,” said Zucconi. “We’ve tried to provide places for people to [play].”
Zucconi noted that the sport can teach children to play well, respect others, understand the importance of integrity, and develop patience while getting an opportunity to socialize.
Narsesian said celebrity golfers like Tiger Woods have made golf a more popular sport for kids.
Zucconi suggested that parents might want to get their children, especially daughters, involved in golf, because there is a Title Nine policy that requires colleges to allocate the same amount of money for sports teams of both sexes. Since there are fewer females who are avid golfers compared to males, a female golfer who plays really well has a chance of receiving a golf scholarship.
Zucconi’s daughter Erika received such a scholarship. The councilman’s daughter graduated with a degree in social work.
“I think it’s a great program for young kids to really learn golf this early,” said Toni Fukuda, the mother of three children who attend the golf program.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com

Support a good cause

On Aug. 13, the township will host its fifth annual golf outing at the Bowling Green golf course. The cost to join is $150, and proceeds from the event will go to Weehawken’s Volunteer First Aid Squad, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary of service to the community.
The event will have a shotgun start at 1 p.m. After the round of golf, an awards dinner will be held at the Bowling Green Golf Course clubhouse.
For more information about the golf outing, contact Gio Ahmad or Rob Hennigar at (201) 210-8501.

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