VaJoWa to open, weather permitting

It is an early spring, and VaJoWa Golf Club in Island Falls was open for play last Saturday, as the front nine holes were available for walking play. The entire course will open this coming weekend, as long as the weather permits.
“It’s very exciting to see golfers out on April 3 playing golf in northern Maine,” said Scot Walker of the Walker family who owns VaJoWa.
And on top of that good news, high school players will be able to hit the links for free during the weekdays.
This year, VaJoWa is opening its course to first time and experienced high school golfers from the area Monday through Friday. Those youth entering Grade 9 this fall may take advantage of the offer, as well as those graduating in 2010.
“It is a free weekday membership all summer long at the golf course,” said Walker.
High school students from Houlton, GHCA, Hodgdon, SACS, Katahdin and even Schenck are eligible for play.
“We basically want to promote youth golf,” said Walker. “If we don’t have any future golfers, we won’t have a golf course.”
The Walkers are hoping that players get the “fever” or “the bug” for golfing.
“We want to get playing golf into their blood,” said Walker. “We want them to keep playing years down the road.”
There are benefits to golfing such as exercise, learning hand-eye coordination to thinking through strategy, but the one of the more popular is camaraderie.
“Traditionally with other sports high schools offer, once you are out of high school or if you are lucky enough to play in college, after graduation, you are done,” said Walker. “It’s tough to get enough people together to play other sports.”
Walker made his decision around junior high to pursue golf since he could make it a lifelong sport.
“We find a lot of people start golfing in their 30s, 40s or even 50s,” he said. “Some even after they retire. They wish they had played all along, but they may not have had an opportunity or didn’t want to spend the money.”
The Walker family recognizes the tough economic times, so they want to reach out and help younger players.
“Not every youth is going to be able to come up with the youth membership green fees,” Walker said. “We invite them to come out.”
One student golfer who will be taking advantage of this special is David Dubois of Southern Aroostook Community School.
“VaJoWa is offering an awesome opportunity to high school students this year,” he said. “I strongly believe this will help bring new teenagers into the sport. High schoolers should definitely take advantage of this opportunity. I haven’t heard of another course in the state that has offered this kind of a deal to students ever. Its free, you really can’t beat it.”
Dubois has been golfing since he was about 9 years old.
“I experienced a hole-in-one at age 11,” he said. “Golf is just like any other sport. It feels great to accomplish your goals and just play for the fun of it. There is no running around and losing [your] breath. You stay in shape by walking and hit your ball when you get to it.”
Dubois is the only player at his school who plays golf.
“I also enjoy soccer and play both sports for my school,” he said. “Golf is definitely the safer of the two when it comes to injuries. You can break a bone very easily in soccer, but a torn muscle is usually the worst in golf. To be honest though, I would pick golf over soccer any day. Its much more enjoyable to me.”
Most area schools have been receptive to the Walkers’ offer.
“We’ve spread the word through school newsletters and on Facebook,” said Walker. “It’s getting a wonderful response.”
High school players will have to present their student ids before play at the clubhouse. If a school does not have student ids, then a student list will have to be provided by the school. Houlton High School Principal Marty Bouchard has already given Walker a list, while Katahdin High School will get ids for students who don’t have them before the end of the year.
“If you are a beginner, we will be doing some group lessons a few days earlier than when the course opens,” said Walker. “Otherwise, a player can come with family or friends who have played and enjoy themselves.”
The only time high school players will be unable to use the course is if there is a scheduled event or a closure.
“That will be posted at the course, on our Web site or in the newspaper,” said Walker. “But, basically, it’s Monday through Friday, anytime a golfer wants. Call ahead or just show up on the course and wait on the first tee.”
VaJoWa is located on the Walker Settlement Road in Island Falls. The course has a driving range and a putting green.
“It’s a tricky little course,” said Walker. “It’s hilly, so it’s great exercise.”
VaJoWa has been family-owned since the late 1960s, starting with nine holes. In the late 80s, another nine holes were added to make it a complete 18-hole course, par 72.
“It’s a nice course,” said Walker. “It can be set up for all different handicaps.”
“I have always loved the layout of the course,” said Dubois. “I have been to many courses through out the state and when the greens are good at VaJoWa, it’s by far one of the most challenging and most beautiful courses.”
VaJoWa also has a full service pro shop and cart rentals.
“We can fully set up a player if they would like,” said Walker.
But the first thing a new player should do is call the club at 463-2128 and schedule a lesson or find out when a group lesson will be held.
“We do youth golf every summer,” said Walker, “but, those generally only go to junior high.”
Walker strongly urges new players who have never been on a golf course to participate in a lesson, which is designed to help the player learn about how to play, how to score and ethics.
“It gives players an opportunity to get a feel for the game before they get out on the course by themselves,” he said. “The only reason this won’t continue over the next few years is if it is abused. Those unfortunate ones will be asked not to participate.”
“Students should take advantage of this for the fun of it,” said Dubois. “Scores don’t matter, it’s about the good times and memories. The only thing that VaJoWa owners and staff are asking, is that you respect the golf course.”
Walker says ‘Don’t be shy,’ call the clubhouse for more detail or check out their Web site at vajowa.com Walker is also updating and answering questions on VaJoWa’s Facebook page.
“There’s interaction on Facebook,” said Walker. “Feel free to ask a question or just call us direct.’
The earliest VaJoWa has ever opened has been April 17. Thanks to a mild winter, golfers get to hit the courses early.