CJGA Fundraiser Exceeds Expectations
By Rick Betts
rick.betts@cjga.com
 What a day. The second annual CJGA Junior Golf Fundraiser hosted by Richard Zokol was held at the storied Marine Drive Golf Club on Monday, September 12th and the event exceeded everyone's expectations, including my own. As each professional took their turn on the mic during the golf clinic, they spoke of the importance of junior golf development and the improvements that have been made in Canada since their junior days. Of the bright future ahead for Canadian golf.
I watched Mike Weir hit balls beside Stephen Ames. Dave Barr beside Jim Nelford. Ian Leggatt beside Gail Graham. For all of the professionals in attendance to take time out of their busy schedules to support the CJGA is an indicator of how far the association has come. The program has made a name for itself at all levels of golf and the results are starting to show.
James Lepp participated. The 2005 NCAA Division I champion played in several CJGA events back in 1997 when the CJGA first expanded to British Columbia. He spoke of the importance of his development as a junior and how in only a few short years, the opportunities for aspiring golfers have increased tremendously.
It truly was a great day for junior golf.
In 2006, the CJGA will bring the fundraiser to Ontario for a second time at Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club in Toronto. It won't be too long before the participation list is filled with many of the young CJGA faces in the clinic's crowd.
  
*All CJGA Fundraiser photos courtesy of Michael Burns Photo Ltd.
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