VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Oaks Country Club (ROCC) initiated in 2012, a scholarship and mentoring program to benefit the youth of Clark County who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, high school golf athleticism, and community citizenship. The Scholar Golf Athlete Program was developed to honor and encourage area high school golfers by receiving courtesy membership privileges to ROCC for the duration of their high school golf participation. The first five award recipients are Jace Vavrosky, Diego DeLaTorre, Molly Bilsborough, Madelynne Pirkl and Bridget Standard.
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The final recipient chosen was Brian Humphreys, a Sophomore at Camas High School, son of George and Robin Humphreys. The final selection of Brian completes the club's goal of six scholar golf athletes from Clark County.
"We had so many deserving applicants, the selection process was extremely difficult," stated Royal Oaks Club Manager, Marcia LaFond. "We are looking forward to watching the progress of our six current scholar golfers. 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 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 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.
"We are proud to be the first offering such a program in the Northwest," commented Mark Curtis, a ROCC board member who chairs this program. "We welcome other clubs to contact us to learn about the details to implement a program 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, Assistant Director Rules of Golf, USGA. "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 PWN region. Golf has a long history of giving back and we are grateful that an admired country club in Vancouver, WA continues this proud tradition."
In addition, the United States Golf Association (USGA), golf's governing body in the United States, offered its praise of the program.
"We commend the membership of Royal Oaks Country Club for developing an innovative 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."
This spring, freshman student golfers who wish to be considered in the Scholar Golf Athlete program are encouraged to submit their application and references. Royal Oaks plans to rotate incoming Sophomores into the program as scholars graduate. Applications are available at the front office of ROCC or with high school golf coaches.
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