Project One Junior Golf Academy Returns to Cascade

The Cascade community recently received another reason to celebrate neighborhood pride as staff executives from the Project One Junior Golf Academy announced a return to the area. In recents years, the group operated out of Cobb County.

Project One, now in its 15^th year of operation, is a golf coaching program that targets youths between the ages of seven and 17, with a minimum of a B average. All sessions will convene at the MARDS (Metro Atlanta Respite and Development Services) Center on Kimberly Road. The outings are set to begin in September and run through May, meeting on Saturdays from 12-2 p.m.

“We’re very happy to be back in Cascade,” said Robert Pruitt, program director and head golf instructor. “The thing about being in the Cascade area is we are going to be more involved in the community. I want to be able to work with the kids in the community and to be active and visible. We also volunteer and bake cookies for the kids in the MARDS program.”

Through its membership, kids gain a stronger sense of confidence by learning valuable life lessons ranging from improved classroom study habits to the best ways to fine-tune their golf game. The coaches specifically concentrate on course management skills and an enhanced mental approach to the game.

“Project One allows the kids to learn from golf and apply it to life. We teach life lessons,” said Vic Clark, chief executive officer and founder. “Golf is the only sport in which you call a penalty on yourself. We let kids know someone isn’t always going to be watching you, but you never know. So rather than take the chance of doing something you’re going to get away with, admit it and tell the truth.”

The youth involved in the academy are provided with free equipment, including clubs, balls, gloves and apparel. They are also eligible for college scholarships.

Project One also teaches students the ins and outs of the golf industry beyond playing on the course. Participants learn what it takes to work in sales, golf instructor and country club administration.

“The opportunities are numerous," said Pruitt. "Everyone’s not going to be Tiger Woods. We prepare them to be a golf course superintendent, work in the pro shop or manage a golf course. The game has so many variations and the industry is so large. There is unlimited potential. We try to give them a little bit of everything."

For more information on the Project One Junior Golf Academy, e-mail CEO Vic Clark at thatvoice@comcast.net and program director Robert Pruitt at robertpruitt@bellsouth.net.