Inner City Fan Club for Golfing deals a good hand.

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Aug 3rd 2005, 12:01am By queenseyes

Eleven year old James (fourth from left) has been golfing since he was four, and when I tell you this kid can hit a golf ball... well, it's a sight to see. We just happened to be walking by one of the tees at Delaware Park, when our attention was drawn to this young golfer and his encouraging supporters. After watching James hit a few balls, we decided to approach and ask a few questions.

It turns out that James learned to play golf at an early age through the Inner City Fan Club for Golfing. The program is designed to give inner city kids a chance to play and compete at the same level as players from other clubs throughout Western New York. Not only does the ICFCG promote golfing in Buffalo, it nurtures these kids in other aspects of life. The club places a great deal of importance on continued education (outside of golf), which will ultimately allow them to follow their dreams no matter how far out of reach they may seem at times.

A man by the name of Henry Williams started the ICFCG program, and to this day is still very active in its day-to-day operation. The club currently teaches approximately sixty students at any given point. The kids play and practice year round, and some even travel to competitions throughout the Western New York area. Leman Harris, one of Williams' assistants told me that above and beyond all else, the instructors want the students to have fun and enjoy what they are doing. These kids have a lot going for them. They have an opportunity to excel at a sport that might normally be too cost prohibitive to take up.

From what we saw of James' golfing ability, this club has accomplished what it set out to do. Don't be surprised to see James out on tour some day, and if touring is not in his cards, then he won't be worried. He's been dealt a good hand for his future no matter what he ultimately decides to do.

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