To the editor:

The South Whidbey High School boys and girls golf teams would like to take this opportunity to express its deep gratitude to Useless Bay Golf and Country Club and to Holmes Harbor Golf and Beach Club for allowing us to practice our sport at their facilities.

The use of these courses is invaluable to the South Whidbey High School program. Throughout the season Coach Gage and Coach Jones hear how difficult it is for the other teams in the league to find support from their local golf courses, and here we have the support of two.

We would like to especially thank Brian Lubach, the head professional, the board of directors, and all the members at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. The board has treated the teams very graciously. Brian has spent many hours working with the boys and girls to help them improve their skills as golfers, and the members have been extremely patient with the kids and league matches.

We also would like to recognize Bobby Brown, head professional, Drew Aernie, the assistant professional, and Mark Schuster, the owner of Holmes Harbor Golf and Beach Club, for giving us practice time at Holmes Harbor. Like Useless Bay, their generosity to our golf teams shows a commitment to our local youth.

The willingness of these private organizations to help our children at a time when budget cuts are making it harder for schools to have a variety of programs that benefit kids shows why the South Whidbey community is such a special place.

Steve Jones

Tom Gage

Golf coaches

South Whidbey High School