Jacob pauses for a backswing photo op

Even as a nationally-recognized fitness and movement educator, Kate Tempesta came to the game of golf relatively late in life. “My first thought, though,” she says, “was what a great game it was for children.”

The upshot of her discovery is the Urban Golf Academy, a workshop designed especially for children and held in eight-week sessions in Central Park. We were thrilled when she offered up two scholarships for our partner students at last year’s Bowl for Kids—and even more thrilled when a very generous Bruce Vinci donated an additional couple of spots.

“It’s just such a wonderfully textured game that teaches so many life skills,” explains Kate. “There’s the perseverance and the mental aspect of it, but it can also be very athletic. It encourages social skills. It’s a great blend, and nobody should be left out of that.”

And for P.S. 73 students Brianna, Devonte and Jacob, the eight Saturdays in the park were certainly about much more than simply learning a new game.

Brianna's chart of her own emotions when golfing

Whereas Saturdays were once spent on video games, say their parents, the golf gave them an opportunity to get out into the fresh air and learn and play. Brianna even dressed as a golfer for career day in school and completed an emotional chart on her golf experiences (see right). “Even if she never played golf again, I would still be so happy because she has learned something new and felt completely empowered—which is the real goal in all my sessions,” says Kate.

You can learn more about Urban Golf Academy here or check out the organization’s Facebook page for additional photos and inspiring stories.