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SALT LAKE CITY — A first-of-its-kind Junior Golf league in Utah kicked off Monday with hundreds of very excited kids. This new program brings together kids of all types of abilities.
"This is my first time playing golf," Eloy Sandavol said.
He is one of the dozens of students who have a disability that hasn't allowed him to join a school golf league in the past.
"It's kind of great (out) here it's kind of good for me to play golf," he said.
Another boy who also has a disability said, "I'm doing golf! It's pretty amazing. I've always wanted to do golf when I was a kid."
Helping these kids are dozens of students who are either golf players themselves or work with kids who have special needs.
"Being able to just get away from the crazy world and hang out with them, they are just very simple and I love it," said Brooklyn Rich, one of the tutors.
"We are teaching them how to play golf and they love it. It's amazing," said Luke Roth, a peer tutor.
The new league in the Jordan School District was kicked off by Utah's first Lady Abby Cox Monday.
Hundreds showed up for the festivities.
"Oh, my gosh! I am so excited to be here. Look at all you here," said Cox. "You are going to be pros at golf because you already know how to push through something that is really frustrating."
Right now in Utah, there is a unified basketball and track league, but this is the first golf program. The summer league will be complete with three practice sessions and three play-and-compete sessions.
The program is not so much about learning the skills of golf as it is about building friendships.
"The most important thing is they are going to be able to make friends, they are going to be able to connect with their peers," said Courtnie Worthen, the director of the Unified Sports program.
The cost to play is free because of four company sponsors, which include Scheels, Mountain America, Destinations, and the Larry H. Miller Group.
The registration deadline is May 27. To register, go here.
