Editor’s note: This is the second story of a three part series on the legendary Kaua‘i Junior Golf program. They are currently in their yearly registration period which goes through February 11. The registration fee is $85 for boys and
Editor’s note: This is the second story of a three part series on the legendary Kaua‘i Junior Golf program. They are currently in their yearly registration period which goes through February 11. The registration fee is $85 for boys and girls ages 718 (not including college students). If you’d like an application or for more information on the KJGA contact Lynn Netzer at 8220074. You can also download an application at www.kjga.org.
Whenever a Kaua‘i junior golfer fourishes, it may be because of many factors, but the main reasons remain the same year in and year out.
The parents of these talented, hardworking, and dedicated individuals deserve a lot of the credit.
If not for them, the juniors wouldn’t be able to do wonders on the golf course.
I interviewed three junior golf parents, Lyn Netzer (Brett Netzer’s mom), Tisha Kyono (Shawn and Rachel’s mom), and Pia Gregorio (Liam and Gillian’s mom).
Netzer is the corresponding secretary for the Kaua‘i Junior Golf program and her son, Brett is a multisport athlete at Kaua‘i High School.
She says that golf is a very special sport that involves inner strength, discipline, good values, and respect.
“I think my son has learned valuable lessons from the program and I think that he has been able to develop confidence to in himself to do things on his own,” Netzer
Brett is also a contributor the Red Raider varsity boys soccer squad. Netzer notched a goal this past season and is now preparing for the upcoming junior golf season.
“He’s a very competitive guy and he’s willing to try something new; it’s interesting because I noticed that he has become more of an individual and he shares more,” Netzer said.
With two highly successful individuals that have gone through the Kaua‘i Junior Golf program, Tisha Kyono, the mom of Shawn and Rachel has learned a lot from the lessons of golf, which her children have taught her.
“They are two different animals, one (Rachel) is quiet and unassuming, and the other (Shawn) is a social butterfly, but they’ve both adapted well to the program,” Kyono said.
Shawn started first and Rachel followed because of her competitive nature, which led her to join.
“I think one of the main reasons she joined was because she wanted to beat her brother,” Kyono said.
Shawn and Rachel enjoyed great success while in the KJGA, with numerous titles and accolades. Today, Shawn is currently attending UHManoa and Rachel is finishing up at Pepperdine, where she is one of the stars on the golf team.
“The game becomes challenging at times and I think that it instilled good values, while enriching the one’s they already had,” Kyono said.
Lastly, Pia Gregorio, who is a new parent wants to see the same type of success enjoyed by the Kyono’s.
Her two girls, Liam, 11, and Gillian, 8 both joined the KJGA last year and are hooked on the game.
“One day they just came home from school and asked me to fill out the application for them, so I did,” Gregorio said.
The Kalaheo School students also participate in volleyball, judo, and soccer, but golf seems to be their bread and butter.
“Miss Mary Bea PorterKing (KJGA president) is so helpful and the other parents have been so supportive,” Gregorio said.
Although they are both new to the sport, Gregorio, who is also a rookie when it comes to golf has high hopes for her two daughters.
“They can see themselves doing good, they see themselves improving and they like to do it during breaks,” Gregorio said.
Three parents with three different tales, but they all have one thing in common: They are extremely happy about the KJGA and want other parents to give the KJGA a shot for their kids.
