New golf program designed to help young people

A newly established program to serve the youth of Las Cruces will commence operation in October. Announcing “Swing for Your Future” a program aimed at helping a certain group of teenagers to build a brighter future through the game of golf.

Experienced golf instructors will introduce students to golf, while also engaging in positive mentoring. The organization uses participation in golf as a platform to teach responsibility, integrity, perseverance, respect and goal setting, while connecting youth with caring mentors.

“Many teenagers in our community face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom,” says Dave Kimble, president and executive director of Swing for Your Future. “For that specific group of young people, our mission is to provide guidance, encouragement and opportunities that can help them reach their potential.”

The learning base for Swing for Your Future is the Cruces Total Golf practice and teaching center owned by PGA professional T.J. McMullan. McMullan has been honored by the PGA Sun Country Section with many awards during the past eight years.

Cruces Total Golf is a remarkable indoor facility featuring 8 hitting bays, each with large video screens and with state-of-the-art simulators. Students who attend Swing for Your Future instruction activities will be provided with up-to-date golf equipment to use for all functions. The PGA Golf Management Program at New Mexico State University is providing a cadre of qualified golf instructors from their student ranks.

“Serving as instructors for Swing for Your Future will provide valuable real life coaching experience and allow them to be mentors to the young students they will be coaching,” said Josh Salmon, Director of the PGA Golf Management Program and President of Sun Country PGA. “The game of golf has provided amazing experiences for our students, and we are excited to help provide wonderful experiences for those participating in Swing for Your Future activities.”

Swing for Your Future is a Las Cruces-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. We are seeking community partners who share our commitment to investing in the next generation of strong citizenry. Financial contributions, equipment donations and volunteer involvement will help us provide scholarships, instructional services and educational resources for the youth we serve. Your support can help transform the lives of teenagers who can thrive on guidance, encouragement and opportunity to succeed.  Donations may be sent to Swing for Your Future, P.O. Box 13681, Las Cruces, NM 88013.

The Las Cruces Public Schools superintendent and officials, along with the Las Cruces chief of police and the District Attorney’s Office, are all on board with Swing for Your Future.

After several meetings the LCPS superintendent and others in leadership positions voiced full support. Teachers will select the students who can participate in the program. The lessons from the practice range and the green grass golf course will serve as a sport classroom where young students will build relationships and internalize necessary skills they will carry forward throughout their lives. They will receive guidance in leadership development designed to build self-confidence and positive self-esteem, while preparing them for lifelong success.

Las Cruces City Councilor (and Swing board member) Cassie McClure praised the program: “The value of golf isn’t measured by a scorecard. It’s found in the lessons of patience, integrity, resilience and respect, and in the relationships that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Making those opportunities accessible to every child is an investment in our entire community.”  Kimble emphasized, “Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people who simply need someone to believe in them.”