VANCOUVER, Wash., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Oaks Country Club (ROCC) of Vancouver, WA has initiated a new scholarship and mentoring program to benefit the youth of Clark County who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, golf athleticism, and community citizenship. The Scholar Golf Athlete Program honors and encourages area high school golfers by receiving courtesy membership privileges to ROCC during their high school golf participation.
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The first two award recipients are Jace VavRosky, a Junior at Prairie High School, son of Darrell and Kristi VavRosky, and Diego DeLaTorre, a Sophomore at Hockinson High School, son of Miguel and Mariana DeLaTorre. In time, there will be six student golfers who start in their sophomore year, one female and one male, and can participate through their senior year.
"The selection process was extremely difficult," stated Club Manager Marcia LaFond. "There were so many qualified applicants. We're looking forward to have all six scholars in the program." She added, "We're proud to be able to honor local high school golfers."
The Scholar Golf Athlete Program was established in 2012 to enable student golfers to utilize facilities and resources at ROCC to continue to improve their golf game, to further their love of the game of golf, with no obligation to compete for the club in any golf competition.
Scott Leritz, Head Golf Professional at ROCC said, "This is a great opportunity to students who may or may not have the opportunity play golf here. The support of members, Board Members, and staff has been phenomenal."
Scholar Golf Athletes must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout the program, and participate in High School Golf. Those recipients who go on to play college golf may be eligible to continue to receive courtesy membership privileges upon approval of the NCAA and the student's chosen University or College.
"To our knowledge, this is the first program of its kind in the Northwest," commented Mark Curtis, a board member who chairs this program. "We hope other clubs join us and do the same in their community."
ROCC is receiving very positive feedback and attention from the top regional and national golf associations. "The Scholar Golf Athlete Program speaks volumes about the generosity and vision of the membership that call Royal Oaks Country Club home," commented Craig Winter, Director of Junior Golf & Rules Education for the Oregon Golf Association. "For years to come, exceptional youth will be afforded a life-changing opportunity at Royal Oaks and it is our hope that this program will serve as a model for clubs throughout the region. Golf has a long history of giving back and we are grateful that an admired country club in our own backyard continues this proud tradition."
Additionally, the United States Golf Association (USGA), golf's US governing body in the United States, offered its praise of the new program.
"We commend the membership of Royal Oaks Country Club for developing an innovative new program that rewards deserving young people for their commitment to school, community and the game of golf," said Joe Goode, managing director of communications, USGA. "Programs like this one serve as a reminder to all of us who care about the game of how golf uniquely creates opportunities for our future leaders to achieve both on and off the course."
Next Spring, Freshman student golfers wishing to be considered in the Scholar Golf Athlete program are encouraged to submit their application and references. Sophomore, Junior, and Senior boys and girls are also encouraged to submit applications, the program has just began and vacancies may occur throughout the programs duration. Application information is available at the front office of ROCC.
Contact:
Marcia LaFond
ROCC Club Manager
Email
360.256.1250
ABOUT ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB
Royal Oaks Country Club is a member-owned club located in the heart of Vancouver, WA. Royal Oaks is consistently rated as one of the top five golf courses in the state of Washington by Golf Digest. RoyalOaks.net.