COMPTON, California – The Southern California PGA (SCPGA), in conjunction with the Compton Unified School District (CUSD), the City of Compton and the Compton Department of Parks & Recreation has embarked on an initiative to bring competitive high school golf to student athletes in Compton.

On October 29th , the SCPGA and CUSD came together to host a clinic for students from Centennial, Dominguez, and Compton Early College high schools at the Compton Par 3 Golf Course. Aaron Grimes, a professional golfer originally from Compton, put on an exhibition at the clinic and told his inspiring story of how golf changed his life. Students enjoyed hitting golf balls and learning directly from the PGA Professionals present. Golf Hall of Famer and SCPGA President Tom Addis was on hand to give golf tips and encourage the students.

“CUSD and the many interested students to bring the sport of golf, for the first time, to the schools. We look forward to working with the district to help put together the golf teams and add competition to the opportunity to enhance the students experience and future,” said Addis.

The program originally began with a complimentary clinic on May 30th, 2019, where students from Centennial High School, Compton High School, Dominquez High School, and Early College High School came together to learn the basics of golf. Each student was given a brand new Honma golf club, SCPGA branded hats, a sleeve of golf balls, and a draw-string tote bag. The outstanding response from the May 30th clinic has prompted the City of Compton and the SCPGA to increase promotion of golf in Compton high schools.

“We are truly excited about this partnership which will expand our students’ exposure to not only sports, but to mentors—all while having fun in a positive and supportive environment. I believe this program will also open the doors to even greater opportunities for them,” said CUSD Board of Trustees President Micah Ali.

SCPGA staff member and PGA Professional, Eddie Rodarte, has been at schools across Compton during school assemblies and physical education classes to recruit students for the clinics and to share his love of golf. Rodarte was able to get kids interested in the clinic by giving those students who never have picked up a golf club before the opportunity to hit golf balls at their school.

“I truly believe that when our students’ when new interests are ignited within our students, they will want to come to school, they will want to do well in school and, their horizons will broaden in ways they never before thought possible. We are honored to partner with an organization of the Caliber of SCPGA to bring such a valuable program to our scholars,” said CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley.

Led by the PGA’s efforts, Rodarte has begun to work with the Compton Golf Coaches to eliminate the typical concerns and barriers to entry of the game, like cost, time, skill development, and friends to play with. The goal of the October 29th clinic was to bring new golfers to the game and create new golf teams within the CUSD. For those individuals who make a golf team, the SCPGA Foundation will be donating a set of brand-new Wilson golf clubs for them to use.

“Golf has long had a special place in this City, dating back to the very investments made by this city the Compton Par 3 Golf Course,” said CUSD Board of Trustees Vice President Satra Zurita. “We are grateful to Mr. Eddie Rodarte, the SCPGA, and Compton native son, Aaron Grimes for sharing their passion for the sport with our students.”