Forest Hills Golf Course and Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation Expand Commitment to Junior Golf

Complimentary golf clinics through the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports youth golf in the La Crosse area, are underway for the summer at Forest Hills Golf Course. Junior golf clinics began on June 7 and run through August. Owned by the City of La Crosse and managed by KemperSports, Forest Hills has partnered with the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation since 2011 to bring golf programming to the community. Forest Hills already has more than 50 junior golfers participating in clinics this summer, and the course anticipates continued interest in this program.

"The team at Forest Hills Golf Course is proud to support the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation's efforts to provide local juniors in the La Crosse community the opportunity to experience the game of golf free of charge," said general manager and head golf professional Keith Stoll. Stoll was elected to the board of directors of the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation four years ago. "Junior golfers have the chance to use our updated range, which opened last summer, play all 18 holes plus the bonus 19th play-off hole, and meet other kids their age while enjoying the game and improving their skills."

Juniors in 6th - 9th grades who live in the La Crosse School District are invited to partake in complimentary golf lessons and unlimited complimentary golf at Forest Hills throughout the summer. To be eligible to participate in this program, kids must pass a simple golf skills test which includes asking questions on proper etiquette, rules and pace of play and a playing test on Forest Hills' 19th play-off hole.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, the purpose of the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation is to raise funds to support and advance youth golf in the La Crosse area. Currently, youth golf programs are supported and funded by the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation. These programs include the La Crosse Middle School Golf Team, a fall competitive program, complimentary golf clinics at Forest Hills and complimentary golf at five area courses including Forest Hills. The foundation has also built a storage shed at the golf course for juniors to store their golf clubs.

While the program was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, free golf was still available to eligible participants, which resulted in more than 45 rounds last year. In 2019, 84 kids participated in the summer program.

"As a community golf course, Forest Hills is committed to growing the game of golf among all people, including junior golfers," said Jared Flick, recreation & facilities supervisor at the City of La Crosse. "Our partnership with the Russ Hiser Memorial Foundation gives us the opportunity to provide an outlet for deserving youth to learn and play the game of golf who may not otherwise have had the access or family income to do so."

If you know a junior who would be interested in participating in the summer golf clinics, please visit https://russhisermemorial.org/youth-golf-summer-program/ for more information and to register.