BRONX, N.Y.-The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation has partnered with the Charles N. Bajart Jr. American Legion Post of Yonkers,  NY to construct an indoor putting green for the residents of the Bronx VA Medical Center at 130 West Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx.   The green was constructed by Michael Lehrer of Home Green Advantage and officially opened for play on Friday, February 21st^.

 

MGA Tournament Director Gene Westmoreland says, “this project is in line with the MGA Foundation’s goals to extend the golf experience to a diverse population  - especially to those who may not have easy or regular access to the game.  Many of the Bronx VA Medical Center’s nursing home residents are unable to visit golf facilities and this will give them an opportunity to enjoy an exciting aspect of the game.”

 

The green is 24 feet in length, features a synthetic surface, multiple holes, a wheel chair ramp, undulations and a “stimpmeter” speed of 11.  This successful installation will hopefully set a trend for the development of similar facilities that accommodate veterans or the physically challenged. Michael Lehrer, the President and founder of Home Green Advantage, the area’s leading provider of artificial golf surfaces, has constructed rooftop and indoor putting greens for a number of individuals and corporations and has been a generous contributor to MGA Foundation programs.

 

The Chairman of the MGA’s charitable Foundation, Paul Dillon, participated in the opening ceremonies and was joined by American Legion Post Commander Joe Cummings, retired Major General Evo Riguzzi, and Bronx VA Medical Center Administrator, Charlie Leach.

 

Before the ceremony ended, veterans were already enjoying their new putting green and practicing for a planned competition with junior golfers from the MGA Foundation’s First Tee Facility at nearby Mosholu Golf Course in the Bronx. 

 

The Foundation provides a wide variety of services and programs with the goal of bringing golf to those who would not normally be exposed to the many inherently positive values the game teaches.  The MGA was Founded in 1897 and serves more than 500 clubs from throughout the Met Area.