Background
The Las Cruces Junior Golf Association (“LCJGA”) began programs in April, 2009. The mission of the organization is to make golf affordable and accessible to juniors of all ages and abilities in Las Cruces and surrounding towns in Dona Ana County.

Until the formation of the LCJGA there was no junior golf association serving the Las Cruces area. The two fundamental purposes for creating and running a junior golf association are to promote social welfare and promote the sport of golf. A junior golf association has the effect of lessening the burden of government and combating juvenile delinquency.  A junior golf association enhances character development and personal growth with exposure to valuable life skills. As well it promotes a healthy physical activity. Junior golfers walk extensively in casual play and tournament play.

Douglas Logan, the executive director of LCJGA, has been involved indirectly in creating and supporting junior golf programs both domestically and internationally for over 15 years. Mr. Logan moved to Las Cruces in April, 2008 and after observing the various junior golf activities on offer, speculated that a low cost, year round junior golf program, open to all ages of boys and girls, encompassing professional instruction, competitions for all skill levels, and a course access feature would be beneficial to the community. In particular it appeared there was significant under-representation of girls and Hispanics in golf in Las Cruces. As well there was no affordable access to playing golf for any junior. A weekday, after school program was considered but due to child care issues with many families (not atypical for the household income level present in the area), it was determined that Saturday afternoon instruction would allow for the greatest participation rates.

Mr. Logan developed the LCJGA concept and sought support from the city’s golf courses and golf professionals in January 2009. The LCJGA concept was that the organization would be started without a corporate vehicle and all resources would be donated  to test demand. The Las Cruces Country Club embraced the concept and agreed to allow free use of its practice facilities and provide low cost fees for juniors to play golf.  Eighteen area golf professionals agreed to provide free instruction. Mr. Logan agreed to act as unpaid coordinator for the endeavor and to market the activities to the community.  The LCJGA programs would commence April 4 provided there was sufficient demand. Instruction commenced April 4 with over 60 juniors. There were 82 juniors in the 2009 instruction program. A corporate vehicle was formed May, 2009.

Corporate Structure
LCJGA was formed as a New Mexico non-profit charity and has been determined by the IRS to be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. The corporation is registered with the Registry of Charitable Organizations of the New Mexico Attorney General’s office.

The corporation currently has four volunteer directors and one employee, the executive director. Brief biographical details are below.
   
Charles Wagner
Mr. Wagner is a volunteer director and president.  Mr. Wagner is a certified financial planner with  Spence Asset Management in Las Cruces. He graduated from New Mexico State University with BA and MBA degrees. Mr. Wagner also serves as president of the Sertoma Club of Las Cruces a 501(c)(3) designated charity. His duties working with the executive director on finance and fund raising policies.

Gary Noble
Mr. Noble is a volunteer director and vice president. He is head golf professional at Picacho Hills Country Club in Las Cruces, N.M. and has been a Class “A”  PGA of America member since 1991. He was previously head golf professional at two clubs in Arizona and has over 20 years experience with creating and fostering junior golf programs including high level competitions. His duties with the organization include working with the executive director on golf instruction curriculum and competitions policies.

Arlene Martinez
Mrs. Martinez is a volunteer director and secretary. She has an extensive background working with local and state non-profit organizations, most recently as Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces, a 501(c)3 organization. Previously she was the Community Relations Coordinator at Memorial Medical Center. Her duties with the organization include working with the executive director on fund raising and community relations.

Zach Wilson
Mr. Wilson is a volunteer director and treasurer.  He is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a BA degree in communications. Currently general manager of Sonoma Ranch Golf Course in Las Cruces, Mr. Wilson has an extensive background in golf course management including creating and running junior golf programs. His duties with the organization include working with the executive director on golf instruction curriculum.

Douglas Logan
Mr. Logan is executive director. His qualifications include graduating with a BSFS degree in international finance from Georgetown University.  He has an extensive background in company management and golf competitions. He held the position of  executive director for a 501(c)(3) golf related charitable foundation in Hawaii prior to joining the organization. As executive director Mr. Logan has day-to day responsibility for the organization including planning and executing all activities. He is also involved with business planning and fund raising.