An essential component of golf is the idea of giving back to the game. The United States Golf Association and the American Junior Golf Association developed the Youth Leadership Club (YLC) as a means for young golfers to become involved in community service efforts, while continuing their focus on competitive golf. YLC members serve as positive representatives of both the AJGA and the USGA through their character, integrity, leadership, and sportsmanship. Through the YLC, members can locate volunteer opportunities, track their service hours, and become eligible for the President's Award given annually to one boy and one girl who exhibit strong leadership and community service values. To learn more about becoming a member of the USGA-AJGA Youth Leadership Club, visit the AJGA Web site at http://www.ajga.org/Membership/YLC/YLCMoreInformation.asp .

Pictured left to right are: Jim Vernon, Smylie Kaufman, Kelsey Conway, and Gayle Champagne.

This year, Kelsey Conway, of Ventura, Calif., and Smylie Kaufman, of Birmingham, AL., received the 2008 President's Youth Leadership Award on Thursday, July 3 during the Rolex Tournament of Champions. Conway earned this honor through her commitmentto the Special Olympics of Ventura County, The First Tee of Ventura County, Ventura County Medical Center and the National Charity League. Her efforts spread throughout the community and contributed to an increase in volunteer support for the Special Olympics.

Kaufman earned his award by founding Kids Vs. Cancer, a fundraiser that supports the University of Alabama Children's Hospital pediatric cancer center. Kaufman founded the charity with his younger brother, Luckie and ithas raised more than $50,000 to date. Both Conway and Kaufman truly embody the spirit of volunteerism and giving back to the game.

"I encourage junior golfers to participate in the broad range of what this great game has to offer. The USGA-AJGA Youth Leadership Club provides an opportunity for juniors to give back to their communities. Participants in this program are the game's leaders of tomorrow, and this joint initiative will have a positive impact on golf for many years to come."

- Walter Driver, Jr., USGA President