Golf team founder and MCS parent Kevin Martin poses with coach Brian Jones.
For the first time in school history, Mariners Christian School will feature a golf team that will be open to boys and girls in the 7th and 8th grade.
The team, which follows a long tradition of successful athletic programs at MCS, was spearheaded by Kevin Martin, a Newport Beach resident who has three children enrolled at the private school.
Martin, who has played golf since he was in grade school and works in the golf industry, said team members will play practice rounds and receive instruction from PGA Professionals. Matches with other schools are scheduled for the end of February.
“It gives the kids a taste of what competing is like,” Martin said. “I wanted to model it after high school programs. It gives them a level of preparation they might not have gotten.”
The team will be coached by Brian Jones, who has degrees from Biola and National universities and has been with the school since 2002.
“We have the most beloved teacher to coach the team,” Martin said of Jones. “He will bring a whole level of energy to the team.”
The team’s home course will be Newport Beach Golf Course and PGA Professional John Leonard has agreed to give instruction to the team. Martin has already secured golf bags for the players.
“This will be a great opportunity for the kids,” Martin said. “Some already have instructors, but others will benefit greatly from this. They will get to understand team play and strategy.”
