Waterlefe Youth golf Program
Bringing Golf to Underserved and Minority Kids
Our Mission
The Waterlefe Youth Golf Program (WYGP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to introduce the game of golf to underserved and/or minority youth, ages 6 to 11, in the greater Bradenton area. Golf is more than just a game and, to that end, we intend to teach and reinforce the following:
- Respecting Myself and Others
- Caring for the Course Responsibly
- Following the Rules of Golf
- Practicing Good Sportsmanship
Beyond the introduction to the game of golf, we also want to prepare kids to play on the Waterlefe PGA Junior League team(s) that compete with other teams in the area in the spring and fall of each year. “PGA Jr. League” is the flagship youth program of the PGA of America’s 501 (c)(3) foundation, PGA REACH which is supported by Stephen Curry (NBA), Lexi Thompson (LPGA), Rory MclLroy (PGA), Michelle Wie (LPGA) and Rickie Fowler (PGA).
Our Team
Group lessons are conducted by Matt Primrose, the PGA Head Pro at the Waterlefe Golf and River Club and volunteer coaches.
Anyone can register for a lesson, just go to www.golfgenius.com/ggid/hkhpqe/register. Then click on the "New Registration" button and fill out the form. The WYGP Application form can be completed at the first lesson or you can request the form via the "Contact Us" section below. From that point on Matt will be sending out the announcement for each week's lesson. Matt charges $20/student for each lesson.
For qualified underserved or minority youth the lessons, equipment and PGA Junior League fees will be covered by the WYGP.
Lessons/Practices will be on Sundays throughout the year usually between 3-4 pm. The practice facilities are provided by the Waterlefe Golf Club. Parents are encouraged to attend the lessons and practices to observe their youths progress.
Please Note
Dress requirements are shorts, skorts, pants (no blue jeans), sweaters, jackets (as weather requires), collared shirts (when on the course) and tennis shoes. Sunscreen, mosquito repellent and hats are sometimes needed.
Access to the Waterlefe Golf Club, 1022 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton, 34212, is via the main entrance off of Upper Manatee River Rd. Indicate to the guard that you are going to the Golf Club and then follow signs to the Pro Shop and Golf.
USF Federal Credit Union, Auto financial group, Gettel Automotine Group and Express Oil Change/Tire
The USF Federal Credit Union, a major sponsor of the Waterlefe Youth Golf Program, introduced a special “Youth Savings" program for the kids. Their approach focuses on supporting the habit and value of saving at an early age. The program includes opening accounts, jointly with a parent of course, incentives and rewards for continuing deposits and other learning opportunities. Julie Lewis, VP of Community Engagement, and Shawn Robertson, the Sarasota Branch Manager, meet with the parents to introduce and explain the program and the processes for opening accounts and making deposits.
Auto Financial Group, Gettel Automotive Group and Expess Oil Change/Tire Engineers also provide fiancial support that allows us to provide support for 14 kids.
Update 2026
We just completed our 3rd annual LPGA Pro/Am and Demostration and Clinic at Waterlefe with the support of our sponsors (see below). Brittany Lincicome, LPGA Pro, again, served as emcee and also played in the Pro/Am this year. In addition, LPGA players, Samantha Wagner, Jillian Hollis, Brittany Altomare returned and for the first time Sandra Gal and Jessica Porvasnik participated in the event.
This event raises about 60% of our annual needs to support our program.
you Can Support Our Mission
Our kids are from the greater Bradenton area. Your donation will help provide lessons, equipment and PGA Junior League fees for these kids. Annual cost for each kid is about $1,500.
Contributions via a check should be made out to “Waterlefe Youth Golf Program” and mailed to WYGP at 1022 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton, Fl 34212.
You can, also, use the WYGP button below to donate by credit card or PayPal for your contribution.
Thanks for your support!
Mentoring Program Overview
We looking for Mentors for each of the kids to enrich their golfing experience. We still have 3 girls and 4 boys whose parent(s) are interested in having a golfing Mentor for their child. Our Mentoring program is in conjunction with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.
Purpose:
- Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth
- To enrich the golfing experience for the boys and girls enrolled in the WYGP
- To encourage continued involvement in learning golf
- To reinforce US Kids lessons and the values of the WYGP (go to WaterlefeYouthGolfProgram.comfor additional information)
What’s required:
- Meeting the parents and kids in the WYGP program (profile for each kid will be provided ahead of time)
- Matching with compatible parent(s) and kid
- Completing the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BB/BS) process and complying with their program requirements
- BB/BS process takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete, process includes interviews, background check, finger printing and references
- Spending a minimum of 4 hours/month (BB/BS requirement) with your kid playing golf, as well as, other activities
Opportunities:
- Currently, River Run Golf Links in Bradenton provides access to their course, after 5pm, to play up to 9 holes for free, when available (including cart). In addition, Mentors can their boy or girl on the Waterlefe Course once a month (during the winter season) to play up to 9 holes for free, with similiar restrictions for availability.
WYGP Support:
-Provide a Mentoring Coordinator
-WYGP Golf shirts and US Kids booklets will be provided for the mentors
-Each of the kids will have clubs, shirts and hats along with golf balls and tees
-For kids that are participating in PGA Jr League, we will cover the cost of the program and provide any additional equipment
Sign Up and Additional Information:
- WYGP contact is Bob Buchanan at 813-340-9233 or email at bobansandy@gmail.com.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters contact is Jessica Swift at 941-746-7000 or at email at jswift@bbbssun.org.
For additional information or questions please call or text:
Matt Primrose @ 813-760-8840, Club Pro
Denny Meskill @ 407-492-1974, Coach
Bob Buchanan @ 813-340-9233, Coach
or use the Contact Us section below.