Pictured from left to right: Former New Haven Police Chief Melvin H Wearing, Club President George Sweeney, and Board member.Reuben Taylor. Standing behind is Willie Holmes, a 50-year member of the club and board member.
The Knickerbocker Club – an 87-year old New Haven golfing club – will hold an open house on Friday, March 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 715 Sherman Ave. (across from the police academy). The purpose of the event is to launch a new campaign to promote the popular sport among local kids.
“We want to provide inner-city youth with positive recreational activities and to help increase minority participation in junior golf programs,” explains club president George Sweeney. “We believe our youth are vibrant and are beckoning to us as leaders in the golf community to help them to discover the wonders of the game.”
Currently golf is offered in area high schools, but the group hopes to persuade the New Haven school system to include it as a sport for students as young as seven years of age.
During the open house a presentation of the history of the Knickerbocker Club will be made by board member and club historian Willie Holmes, who has been a member for 50 years. Food and beverages will be served, and no reservations are necessary.
The Knickerbocker Club membership roster boasts a long list of prominent New Haven residents including schools Superintendent Reggie Mayo and former Police Chief and current club Chairman Melvin Wearing. Chairman Wearing acknowledged that the club has had its peaks and valleys in terms of membership over the years. He said he looks forward to introducing new members – both young and old – to the unique club.
“For that to happen we need money for equipment and green fees,” he says, “and men and women willing to spend time with young golf students on the course to offer them instruction.”
To learn more check out the club’s website or call 203 – 865-1431.