Golf people are like old soldiers. They just never quit.

Even as a teacher, promoter or director of a club, they can’t ever seem to let go.

Debbie Mastromarino spent the past 17 years of her life dedicated to helping kids learn, as well as love, the game in her post as director and president of the NYC Junior Golf Club.

It was an assignment that called for many hours of work handling a group of young golf enthusiasts ranging in age from 6 to 17. Oh sure, she had help from a board of trustees, as well as some home-grown volunteers who just grew into the job of helping newer and younger members of the club.

Mastromarino increased the membership by more than 100 percent with an array of new programs. She reduced costs and at the same time increased income by initiating and organizing new and different events. She implemented a program for special needs kids, which is very close to her heart and perhaps the engine that kept her going.

Last weekend, she conducted the 17^th annual, season-ending awards banquet at the Grand Oaks Country Club. There were 460 people in attendance, including 183 players who each received a prize that was hand-picked by Mastromarino herself.

It was no secret that the leader was leaving and it showed after she presented the Spirit Award donated each year by Ray Laursen of Rab’s Country Lanes, to a very deserving Carolyn Kay. Kay has been a member of the Flight E for the past three years and has won the hearts of all who have met her.

“I kind of lost it at the end realizing this was my last, and all those families I have seen grow up so nicely would always have a spot in my heart,” said the lady who had held her usual spot at the microphone on Nov. 16.

MOVING IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

Mastromarino, we’re sure, will keep an eye on the progress of the NYC Junior Golf Club. However, she has made up her mind to move in a different direction with youngsters in golf.  She has already figured out where she could do the most good for kids approaching or already in high school.

She has done her research, talked to people in the right places and put together a spanking new not-for profit program called “Making the Turn Golf Academy, Inc.” Known by many as an aggressive person who achieves her goals, she will always be remembered as the person who had the traffic light installed at the LaTourette GC crossing after decades of debate by others.

“We’ll be seeking the boys and girls who have knowledge, as well as love of the game. We will welcome those who are willing to work hard at both their studies and the quality of golf offered,” explained the woman who has put it all together.  “We think it’s time to focus not only on developing good players, but to set their sights on getting into college with perhaps a golf scholarship.”

Mastromarino has followed her usual thoroughness in speaking with experts in the field like PGA teaching professional Bill Britton, who has offered advice as well as some classes in teaching. She has had long talks with Division 1 college golf coaches who have also laid out the correct path to achieving goals.

The new organization will be limited to 45 and will be divided into teams representing the three local public courses. In addition to regular practice and learning sessions, they will compete in local tournaments among themselves that will include both match and stroke play.  Members will be encouraged to play in state, city and MGA events as often as possible to build on their experience.

“We are in the process of building a website and plan to begin the program in April.  We are seeking sponsors as well as students and we can be currently be reached at the following email address debbie@makingtheturnga.com for additional information,” said Mastromarino.