End-of-season Banquet

The end of a season is always bittersweet.

For 10 weeks, our students and coaches develop and grow alongside each other in a fun, collaborative environment that sometimes feels like it won’t ever end. 

In previous years at the Gator Junior Golf Association, the last week of the season consistently saw pizza and a quick little thank-you to the students and parents, but we always wanted something more. Something to really show our appreciation to everyone who has made our season so successful.

To do this, we proudly hosted our first ever end-of-season banquet this past month at Gainesville Country Club, hosted by our very own Max Meier, Bobby Estrada and Dr. Bob Yezierski. The turnout was fantastic, the food was delicious and the camaraderie was priceless.

The evening began with a putting contest on the practice green, where Carson Kamp earned an impressive victory. It then made its way into the club’s beautiful banquet hall, where students and families were served an array of hand sandwiches and chicken tenders.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the night was having our guest speaker, ESPN’s Michael Collins, deliver a humor-filled, yet inspiring message to our juniors. Collins, most recognizable for his work as a Senior Golf Analyst with ESPN.com and on television, spoke about his experiences caddying on the PGA Tour and how sportsmanship is golf’s most pinnacle value. 

At the evening’s conclusion, Most Improved and Sportsmanship Awards were distributed to two students in each of our classes.

In the end, the banquet served as not only a last opportunity for all involved in our great season to congregate in one space for the evening, but as a celebration of all our students, families, sponsors and staff on an incredible 10 weeks at Gator Junior Golf.