Summer camp offers golf, fun
By Daily Bruin Staff
March 12, 2003 9:00 p.m.
By Justin Catalan
DAILY BRUIN CONTRIBUTOR
In a time of economic uncertainty and rising tuition costs, many
parents are making investments to safeguard their children’s
future.
Some options include education IRAs, college trust funds, stocks
and … summer sports camps?
Professional sports have enabled some kids to earn millions
right out of high school so it’s no wonder many parents are
forking out thousands of dollars to send their kids away to summer
sports camps.
As a result, sports culture is redefining the meaning of
“summer break” for kids.
This summer Joshua Jacobs and his brother Greg Keer, a UCLA
alumni, hope to restore the tradition of fun associated with
summertime.
This marks the inaugural summer for Teen Golf Adventures, a
unique summer golf camp that combines serious golf instruction with
good old-fashioned fun.
TGA is the brainchild of Jacobs, who, after attending and
working at various golf camps, recognized the need for a camp that
would be more enjoyable for kids.
“There are camps out there that eat, drink and sleep
golf,” Jacobs said. “We wanted to create a camp where
the kids would receive a more well-rounded experience.”
TGA promises serious golf instruction that includes seminars
with PGA professionals as well as hands-on experience at certain
California courses, which are some of the most prestigious courses
in the United States.
Most importantly, the TGA itinerary is packed with fun-filled
activities such as visits to amusement parks, beach days and an
occasional minor league baseball game.
“We want the kids to go out there and learn the game of
golf,” Jacobs said. “But we also want them to have fun
and develop a camaraderie with each other. Hopefully they can make
new friends and take away some lasting memories.”
One needs to look no further than Jacobs and Keer’s
individual histories to get a sense of the diversity of experiences
offered through TGA.
Jacobs played golf both in high school and college before
working as a producer for Fox Sports Net. He currently coaches
various high school sports teams.
Keer graduated from UCLA in 1989 and is a noted expert on the
subject of parenting. A father of two, he has authored numerous
children’s books and magazine articles. He now teaches high
school English.
Keer’s experience as a parent and teacher is an important
contribution to the overall experience of the camp.
“Having worked with kids so much I get the sense of the
things they need to round out their lives,” Keer said.
“As a parent I can relate to the concerns parents may have
about the camp and I can ensure the kids will be treated
appropriately.”
As businessmen, Jacobs and Keer obviously hope the popularity of
TGA will spread throughout California. But as ambassadors of the
game of golf, they hope to increase the popularity of the game for
the sake of the kids’ enjoyment.
“Golf is a naturally social game,” Jacobs said.
“It is also for anyone seeking enjoyment along with
competition. Our goal is to be able to introduce the game to people
of all walks of life.”
