Charlie Grego, PGA, the assistant professional at the Garden City Golf Club (GCGC), spent his evening off instructing Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) on August 27 at Eisenhower Park Driving Range.
In fact, he planned and hosted the evening of golf instruction with the generous assistance of members of GCGC. Charlie secured a donation from Greg Burke of Lane Office Dirtt Knoll to purchase collared shirts for all participants, worked with Al Vanasco to obtain a permit to reserve stalls at the driving range and borrowed six sets of junior golf clubs with the assistance of Ron Furman. Additionally, Charlie enlisted the help of fellow golf professionals Matt Lavolsi, assistant professional/PGA apprentice of Cherry Valley Club and J.R Repetti, outside operations of GCGC to provide instruction for the 12 Bigs and Littles from BBBSLI.
“I have been so fortunate to be in the golf industry,” said Charlie. “Not only did I get to do something I love, which is to teach golf, but I also got to meet a great group of kids from BBBSLI. Some may not have had the chance to come out to a golf course or driving range before, so I used that as inspiration to plan this event for them.”
Bigs and Littles could be heard halfway down the range enjoying themselves – some cheering when they connected the club to the ball, others laughing at their awkward swings. Even despite the lack of too many long drives from the tee, Little Sister Keanne was the last one swinging, 90 minutes after getting her hands on a 7 iron.
“Even though it was only hitting golf shots on the range, seeing everyone smiling, laughing and enjoying something that they may not have experienced otherwise, was a reward for me,” remarked Charlie. “I’m glad that I got a chance to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the night.”
