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 now closed 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. Since 2009  there over 300 juniors have participated in our instruction programs.



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 five volunteer directors and one employee, the executive director. Brief biographical details are below.
   
Mark Sanders
Mr. Sanders is a volunteer director and president. He is head golf professional at White Sands Golf Course and has been a Class "A" PGA of America member since 1997. A graduate of the University of Southern California, his duties with the organization include working with the executive director on golf instruction curriculum and competitions policies.

Ryan Flamm
Mr. Flamm is a volunteer director and vice president. He is the director of golf at Red Hawk Golf Club and has been a Class "A" PGA of America member since 2006. A graduate of New Mexico State University, Mr Flamm has been involved with junior programs the last 13 years. His duties with the organization include working with the executive director on fund raising.

Justin Dahrling
Mr. Dahrling is a volunteer director and secretary. He is head golf professional at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course in Las Cruces. He is a graduate of New Mexico State University and became a Class "A" PGA of America member in 2010.  Mr. Dahrling is the association's lead golf instructor.

Von Weddington
Mr. Weddington is a volunteer director and treasurer. He is assistant golf professional at White Sands Golf Course. After retiring from the U.S. Army Mr. Weddington earned a degree from New Mexico State University. His duties with the organization include organizing the annual Barry McClure Memorial Golf Tournament.

Paul Hinde
Mr. Hinde is a volunteer director. He is head golf professional at Picacho Hills Country Club. A graduate of New Mexico State University, he became a Class "A" PGA of America member in 2010.

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.