VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Oaks Country Club (ROCC) of Vancouver, WA last fall 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. The first two recipients, Jace Vavrosky and Diego DeLaTorre, have enjoyed that opportunity.
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The next three recipients are Molly Bilsborough, a Senior at Camas High School, daughter of Doug Bilsborough and Sue Agee; Madelynne Pirkl, a Junior at Columbia High School, daughter of Keith and Rosalind Pirkl; and Bridget Standard, a Sophomore at Vancouver Home Connections, daughter of Michael and Julie Standard.
"The selection process was extremely difficult," stated Club Manager, Marcia LaFond. "There were so many qualified applicants." She added, "Royal Oaks is proud to be able to honor local high school golfers."
The Scholarship Golf Athlete program was established in 2012 to enable student golfers to utilize facilities and resources at Royal Oaks to continue to improve their golf game, to further their love of the game, with no obligation to compete for the club in any golf competition.
Scott Leritz, Head Golf Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club said, "This is a great opportunity to these students who may or may not have the opportunity play golf here. The support of our members, Board of Directors, and staff has been phenomenal."
Scholar golf athletes must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout their involvement in 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 with the 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, who is a board member and chairs this program. "We hope other clubs join us and do the same thing in their community."
ROCC is receiving very positive feedback and attention from 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 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 who wish 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 since vacancies may occur throughout the program. Applications are available at the office of ROCC.
ABOUT ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB
ROCC 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.
Contact: Marcia LaFond, Club Manager, Email, 360.256.1250