More than meets the eye

The VCU Golf Club will host its spring semester interest meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the First Tee of Richmond, located at 400 W. School St. Members will be nominating and electing officers, as well as voting on clinic days and times.

“Anyone can join,” said Mike Kelleher, alumni adviser for the club. “There are lots of benefits to joining the golf club.”

Member benefits include low-cost weekly clinics with the Professional Golf Association’s Craig Wood. The clinics are partially paid for by the Student Government Association.

“These clinics are open to all skill levels,” Kelleher added.

Members also receive free and reduced-cost golf.

Kelleher started the golf club four years ago.

“There was a lady at the SOVO fair who had a table. She wanted to start a club in 2002.”

Kelleher has served as co-president ever since. He has been working with SGA and representatives from local golf courses in hopes of providing more opportunities to club members.

Last year the golf club’s membership almost doubled. Kelleher hopes to increase membership, build a Web site and increase community service opportunities.

In addition to hosting various outings at local golf courses, the golf club will be providing volunteer opportunities with The First Tee of Richmond Junior Golf Program.

“Golf is not just about the game itself,” Kelleher said. “There are certain values and principles that are inherent within the game. One of which is giving back.”

Kelleher said respect, courtesy and sportsmanship are essential to the sport.

Prospective members are required to have a GPA of 2.5. Dues are $10. Interested students can contact Kelleher at k333@vcu.edu.