Grandfathers For Golf, based in San Jacinto, CA, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to teaching underprivileged children (and all others) how to play the game of golf, which promotes fellowship, health, discipline, and sportsmanship. We work with school districts to arrange busing to participating golf courses, primarily Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto, and Echo Hills Golf Course in Hemet. We also work with the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and its Youth on Course program.
A Message from Tony Viola, GfG President Emeritus
Dear GfG Volunteers, Parents and students past and present,
It is with mixed feelings of both pride and sadness that I have stepped away as President of GfG. Twenty Eight years ago I joined Marty Finn and Carl Perchner and a fledgling group of men that were teaching kids the game of golf. As Marty and Carl aged, I was asked to “take over.” At that time we were working with about 10-15 children at Soboba Country Club. I said yes with the provision we could make a few changes. GfG would NEVER charge a child for our services. I was named as the new President. First thing my wife Donna (who has been instrumental in everything I have done with GfG) decided to do was to incorporate. We knew the future of GfG lay in the outside support we could garner.
We (Donna) wrote grants to USGA and SCGA and HUSD which were successful and off we went. Just about that time we were approached by Golden Era Productions and offered free use of their Golden Era Golf Course in San Jacinto. The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and Valley Wide Recreation followed suit and lent their support as well. GfG grew like a weed. With the recruitment of many more volunteers GfG blossomed to serve over 200 children at any one time at three different golf courses.
Sadly GfG was decimated by COVID and the ranks of volunteers declined. When GfG resumed classes post COVID we had to start small again. I am happy to say that GfG is “ALIVE” and well and our numbers hold steady at about 50 children at a time.
I shall remain with GfG as President Emeritus and now my duties will be confined to working with the children, something I have long wanted for many years. I am very proud of GfG, its volunteers, parents and all the children past and present. I leave knowing that GfG is in good hands with truly dedicated volunteers.
I want to THANK everyone for allowing me to be of service.
Tony Viola
Spring Sessions Begins Feb. 11!
The Spring 2025 session of Grandfather For Golf begins on February 11. Go to the signup page to sign up for the session!