For Bartell, Teaching Golf Is All About Fundamentals, Focus and Fun

Lily Bartell leads Momentum’s golf programming at DREAM Charter School in the Bronx. She recently fielded questions from Momentum Co-Founder Farrell Evans.

Lily Bartell with Momentum golf student

How did you take up the game, and how old were you?
When I was 2, my dad, a golf course architect, took me to a project site and handed me a sawed-off 7-iron and a putter, both of which had bright pink grips that he put on himself. I wish I remembered that moment, but what came in the following years was even more impactful. I started taking lessons and playing competitively at age 7 and learned mostly at Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club and Kierland Golf Club in the Phoenix area. I loved learning on desert courses and enjoyed hitting the ball far in the dry air.

Who were your early role models in the game, and what impact did they have on you?
My parents because they both play the game and my dad played professionally for a while. I was lucky enough to grow up with golf as our family pastime and with built-in coaches. I also looked up to players such as Paula Creamer and Annika Sorenstam. I had dreams of playing and being like them, and watching them was really motivating.

How did you get into teaching and why?
After working a job after college that was more associated with my journalism major, I realized I really missed the golf world and wanted to find a path to get back into it. I reached out to the women’s golf coach at Ohio University to see if she was in need of a graduate assistant. I was lucky enough to be brought on as the graduate assistant and earn my master’s degree there  in Coaching Education. I then worked in the collegiate golf universe for four years, and during that time I took on some adult clients and also worked with kids at First Tee. I really fell in love with teaching the swing and the game.

What’s a typical day of teaching like at DREAM?
Over the colder months, we were working in a DREAM classroom, so I would arrive at the space about 30 minutes early to set up for that day’s session. The sessions lasted an hour, and I had the students help with cleanup for the last 10 minutes. We have been using junior clubs, foam balls, nets, hula hoops, etc. 

Now that the weather is getting warmer, we are also using DREAM’s rooftop recreation space, where we are going to have some longer sessions that last closer to three hours with warm-ups, lessons, activities, golf etiquette and detailed instruction. 

What’s been the most satisfying aspect of working with the DREAM students so far?
Seeing these students go from complete beginners to more seasoned golfers has been incredibly rewarding. They have gone from having no idea what the different clubs were for or how to grip them to understanding the type of grip to use and using them consistently. Now when I ask them to pull a particular club, they know exactly what to do.

They are also finding so much satisfaction in completing challenges and games, scoring points, and seeing their results on our launch monitor. With continued impactful and consistent coaching, these students have the opportunity for a great golf future. I really look forward to ushering in new students who are interested in golf with the goal of having a competitive high school team in the future.

What’s your approach to golf instruction?
I’ve always operated with the three Fs: Fundamentals, Focus, and Fun. I believe that fundamentals are not only the core of the game, but also the tool, if used correctly, that can solve each and every problem a golfer faces. Focus is paramount for golf whether on the course or while practicing. We want to make sure we have a focus when we practice and are not just hitting balls over and over. We also want to work toward having the stamina to focus for 18 holes, which is much easier said than done. Finally, we shouldn’t be doing any of this if it isn’t fun. Golf is hard enough to master; not having fun along the way would be a disservice to everyone involved.

The three Fs really help when teaching young golfers. I try to implement them into each day, lesson, activity, discussion, etc. My students have always seemed to respond well to this approach, and I believe it will help them become better golfers and better people.

What’s your favorite golf course and why?
Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, SC. I was born in South Carolina and spent my high school years there, and it’s a quintessential Lowcountry golf course. It’s also the first place I ever had a caddie, which was super fun and memorable.

What is your dream foursome, and why?
My dream foursome would be Rory McIlroy, Nelly Korda, and Lilia Vu. I really look up to Rory because of his integrity and his grit. I think Nelly’s swing and her golf mind are amazing, and I would love to witness her in real life and pick her brain. I got to see Lilia clinch the 2024 Solheim Cup for the U.S., and I’d love to meet her and play alongside someone who handles pressure so well.

Kick Off the Masters With Us at Beer Run Harlem

We are hosting a watch party for the first round of The Masters at Beer Run Harlem (3604 Broadway, 2nd floor). We hope you’ll join us on Thursday, April 10, from 3-7pm for a little taste of Augusta National in the big city.

The event will feature: 

  • Big-screen TVs with live coverage of the first round
  • A keg of Other Half’s Green City IPA
  • Masters-inspired mead cocktails
  • Putting green and dart golf
  • Pimento cheese sandwiches 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Other Half Green City keg will go to support Momentum Golf & Education and our work to use the power of golf and education to help New York City youth reach their full potential.

Please follow the link below to RSVP. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Published
Categorized as Fundraiser

Momentum Bringing Golf to DREAM Charter School Students

Momentum has partnered with DREAM to bring the game of golf to more than 1,500 students in East Harlem and the Bronx.

DREAM operates eight charter schools from pre-K to high school as well as summer and alumni programs. Our partnership will introduce DREAM students to golf with the long-term plan of building a year-round golf program that will include a DREAM Charter High School team.

The program kicked off this July with our golf instruction team working with rising 6th and 7th graders who are participating in DREAM’s summer program at their Mott Haven campus in the Bronx. Omari Whitmore, a former college golfer at Florida A&M, is our lead instructor, and Momentum founders Farrell Evans and Sam Weiss, both former college players, are also working with the students.

A Holiday Message to Our Supporters

Sustaining Our Momentum

Sports-based youth development programs like ours play a significant role in fostering the social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in school, careers and life.

Through your support, Momentum has been able to provide programming in golf, workforce development, academic and career readiness, and financial literacy for underserved youth populations in New York City and Westchester County.

We hope that you’re as proud of our students as we are.

In January, Alexander Ciriaco will enter Binghamton University, where he plans to study economics and finance. For the last three summers, Ciriaco was in our Quaker Ridge Golf Club Fellowship Program, where he blossomed into a young man and citizen of the world. He is heading to college armed with a range of skills and contacts that will ensure his future growth and success.

“Through the program, I learned much about golf, tennis, the world of business, and most noticeably, myself,” he said in an essay about his experiences in the program.

Our students from Eagle Academy who are participating in America’s Water Education Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, are doing some important research in data science and water security.

With Eagle Academy high school faculty, students are researching topics such as Building Student Autonomy in Understanding Climate and Water Concerns through Governmental Data Platforms and encouraging middle school and high school students to pursue career pathways in data science and water security.

This December, students from the program attended the American Geological Union’s annual conference in San Francisco, where 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries convened to share research and network.

In 2024, we will continue this important work and will help new partners, such as DREAM Charter High School in the Bronx, bring the game of golf to hundreds of students. In Harlem, we’re going to relaunch the high school golf program at Eagle Academy.

Yes, we’re ambitious, but we can’t do it alone. Your support will help us grow and sustain our work, which is designed to address some of the most pressing problems facing our world, from climate change to water security to closing the racial wealth gap.

Happy Holidays,

Farrell Evans, Sam Weiss and Bill Holmes
Momentum Golf and Education Founders

Hard Work, Inspiring People and Career Direction

By Amitra Brown

Amitra Brown

My time at Quaker Ridge Golf Club and working at tennis with J.P. was a really good opportunity because I got to see how amazing the sport of tennis is and how it’s played. The staff at the Club and at tennis are terrific and they really made me feel comfortable – which is something to note because giving comfort to someone who was new and didn’t really know much about tennis, gave me more confidence. 

Looking Back on Three Summers at Quaker Ridge

By Alexander Ciriaco

Alexander Ciriaco senior portrait

I, Alexander Ciriaco, am honored to have been able to share with you my exciting journey during my three years here in Quaker Ridge Golf Club’s Fellowship Program. Throughout the Program, I learned much about golf, tennis, the world of business, and most noticeably, myself. Thank you to all the Members and the Board for giving me the privilege of working at the prestigious Quaker Ridge Country Club, an experience that has left an indelible mark on my life.

Q&A With Quaker Ridge Golf Staff

By Nia Gooden

Nia Gooden

I’ve learned many lessons from my work experience the past two summers at the Quaker Ridge Golf Shop, and I’ve met many great people. Two of them are Chelsea Bursby, golf shop attendant, and Chris Gabriele, lead teaching assistant.

Both have a strong affinity for and long history with the game. These are the most valuable takeaways from our conversations.

Meet the 2023 Quaker Ridge Fellows

We are excited to introduce the young women and men from New Rochelle High School who have been admitted to the third class of Quaker Ridge Golf Club Fellows for the summer of 2023.

In their applications, these students said they were eager to work with mentors and learn more about educational and career opportunities. All of the students have an academic interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as in the arts.

The fellows also shared their perspectives on making the world a better place, exploring and honing leadership skills, and developing personal strength and resilience. They are excited to meet the members of the Quaker Ridge Golf Club while working on their golf and tennis skills and making new friends.

The 2023 Quaker Ridge Golf Club Fellows are:

Julian Belfast

Julian Belfast

Julian Belfast is a rising junior at New Rochelle High School who studied AP physics, AP computer science, honors calculus, Latin, English and social studies in his sophomore year. He also competes on the high school’s debate team and tutors elementary school students at an after-school program.

In Julian’s free time, he enjoys customizing gaming apps through coding, learning about astronomy, and playing soccer.

Julian is interning with Head Golf Professional Mario Guerra.

Samantha Benjamin

Samantha Benjamin

Samantha is a rising senior at New Rochelle High School. She is passionate about science and medicine and hopes to use her knowledge and compassion to serve others, especially black mothers who are often neglected in hospital settings and thus put in danger.

As well as gynecology, Samantha is interested in the field of anesthesiology, which combines medical expertise with advanced techniques to ensure patient comfort, safety, and optimal outcomes during surgical procedures.

Samantha is a driven and accomplished individual who has consistently demonstrated exceptional work in her studies. With a strong academic background, Samantha’s membership in the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and National English Honor Society has allowed her to display her academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to service.

Beyond the academic sphere, Samantha has also showcased remarkable leadership abilities. Through her volunteer work and responsibilities within student organizations, Samantha has made significant contributions that have had a positive impact on her community.

During her fellowship, Samantha looks forward to engaging with professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries and hopes to expand her network and foster meaningful connections that will contribute to her personal and professional growth.

Samantha is interning with General Manager Bob Musich.

Amitra Brown

Amitra Brown

During Amitra Brown’s senior year at New Rochelle High School, she studied Sports & Social Justice, Business Law, Economics & Personal Finance, and Marine Science.

Amitra enjoys interacting with new people, learning new things, baking, reading, and listening to music. She is very passionate about being a health professional in the future, which led to her
decision to attend Mercy College in the fall to study health science and pursue a career in the medical field.

As a returning fellow, Amitra hopes to enjoy her summer and meet new people, and most importantly to show her leadership skills by helping others and making others feel open and comfortable around her.

Her message to other fellows is to “hold your head up high when other things may seem to get low because many of you are moving on to a new chapter in your lives soon and there are going to be obstacles you will be facing, so it’s really important to have good support and never give up.’’

Amitra is interning with Head Tennis Professional J.P. McConnell.

Alexander Ciriaco

Alexander Ciriaco senior portrait

Alexander Ciriaco studied accounting, business law, statistics and theater during his senior at New Rochelle High School.

Alexander enjoys “discussing politics and debating world history” and wants to pursue a career in economics. He said that these educational experiences will help shape his goals of becoming a financial advisor, accountant and CEO.

For Alexander, scientific research is a foundation to learning, and he looks forward to starting his studies at University of Buffalo in the fall and then transferring to Cornell to attain a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics. He says that he also “loves designing and building sets for school theater performances, playing football and rugby, watching anime, playing video games, gardening, and hanging out with my family and my dog Princess and new puppy Dusse Benson.”

Alexander puts his family first, and “church and education are non-negotiables in our house.” He has suffered the loss of both his father and grandmother. His father, Carlixto Julian Ciriaco, was a professional caddy, and Alexander’s father and uncle, Tio Jose, made sure that Alexander learned how to play golf. Alexander’s grandmother suffered respiratory problems, and he helped her by “doing simple chores to make her comfortable.” Seven years ago, Alexander’s father died from a heart attack. He wrote that the only thing he can take away from these “painful experiences is that they make me stronger, committed and determined.” Alexander says that “keeping his dad’s legacy alive and fulfilling his grandma’s dreams for him” means he “strives to do his best, every day.”

As a third-year Fellow, Alexander looks forward to caddying while continuing to strengthen his “communication, team-building, leadership and soft skills.” He says “it is always fun learning together with other teenagers and meeting new friends.”

This summer Alexander is interning for Tom Ashfield.

Alexander is interning with Golf Course Superintendent Tom Ashfield.

Nia Gooden

Nia Gooden 2023 fellow

Nia is a rising junior at New Rochelle High School who plans to work as a practicing therapist.

She is preparing for her future career by taking a psychology class next year and plans to take psychology and neuroscience classes her senior year. Her goal is to learn the skill of working with and helping all different types of people so she is able to be a personable therapist one day. She wants to be able to equip people with the tools to confidently face their lives.

During the school year she loves to enrich her public-speaking and critical-thinking skills by competing on the debate team. Working in the golf shop, she is eager to gain more experience serving and working with people. She’s excited to have the opportunity to learn from golf and tennis experts again and can’t wait to see what new lessons I will be able to learn from my mentor and from my peers.

Nia is interning with Head Golf Professional Mario Guerra.

Viridiana Hernandez

Viridiana Hernandez

Viridiana Hernandez is a rising junior who is interested in art and devotes much of her free time to it. She would like art to be part of her career some day because it allows her to be creative and use her imagination. She says that through art she’s learned that everyone is unique and mistakes can turn into something beautiful.

She says she is ready to be a fellow and is looking forward to being mentored and learning new things that can be used toward her education and career goals. She is ready to get to know the members and the other fellows. Her goals for the summer are to become more socially engaged and to develop the skills that allow me to get to know others.

Viridiana is interning with Head Tennis Professional J.P. McConnell.

Leila Massey

Leila Massey

Leila Massey, a rising senior at New Rochelle High School, is an honor roll student, community volunteer and peer tutor. She wants to become an elementary school teacher.

A self-starter who loves to connect with people, Leila participates in various organizations in her school such as the Ignite mentorship program, NAACP, The Business Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. In her spare time, Leila volunteers with the theater group at The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, and she also volunteered at various food pantries during the pandemic.

Leila loves baking in her spare time, and she and a partner bake desserts and sell them during their school’s lunch hour.

During her time working as a Fellow, Leila hopes to gain a multitude of knowledge in the different topics this program has to offer.

Leila is interning with Eduardo Dimas, Front of House, and Ann Freeman, Comptroller’s Office.

Reagan Riley

Reagan Riley

Reagan Riley is a rising junior at New Rochelle High School who plans to study Forensics, AP U.S History, AP Language, and screenwriting in the fall. She’s involved in track, acting, and filmmaking. Reagan likes to keep herself busy and explore new things, from participating in sports to being creative.

Reagan wants to pursue a college program in filmmaking and is determined to be a screenwriter and director. She wants to better understand the creative process of developing artistic films. Ever since Reagan was little, she had a fascination with movies, from binge-watching them to making homemade movies with her neighbors.

Reagan is interning with Head Tennis Professional J.P. McConnell.

Nyah Rosado

Nyah Rosado

Nyah is an aspiring filmmaker. She loves the feeling of forming “a new world” while creating films and escaping “to a reality that could be different from yours but still add those personal notes.” Nyah also loves to bake in her free time. (She even competed in the “Kids Baking Championship” on the Food Network!) She uses baking to de-stress while working to create the perfect dessert.

During her time as a Fellow, Nyah looks forward to gaining new skills she can use in the future, gaining knowledge about business and industry, and learning from mentors. She values the opportunity to create a close bond with a mentor who can open her eyes to unique points of view. She says, “When taking advice from someone you know or can connect with, you are able to understand what they are teaching you to another level.”

Nyah is interning with Head Golf Professional Mario Guerra.