Golf may not be the most accessible sport to youth in Detroit, but that is no longer the case for students at Cass Tech. As of the 2021 school year, both boys and girls golf programs have been established by Martin Siml, a long time local coach.
Martin Siml is a good man. Ten years as a volunteer coach, works overnight hospital shifts. This year, he started girls & boys golf program @ Cass Tech from scratch, but is working with nearly no budget. His story, why he does it, & how you can help Tuesday on @wxyzdetroit. pic.twitter.com/5g4A1Q9uBC
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) September 20, 2021
After ten years as a volunteer within Detroit Public Schools, Martin was brought in by DPS to start golf at Cass Tech. To make ends meet while coaching, Siml works overnight shifts at Henry Ford Hospital as a surgical technician.
“I want to give back to the kids in Detroit,” said Siml. “They might be awesome at golf, they’ve just not been given the ability, a chance. I just want to give them an opportunity.”
The girls program is up and running, while the boys start in the spring. The girls have 18 members and there is heavy interest for the upcoming boys team, as well. However, Siml says both programs need an immense amount of help to keep the teams up and running. The budget provided to start the programs is so minor, Siml says that it is only enough to cover about one week of golf practice.
“Clubs, money, coaches,” said Siml about what the programs need the most. “One, two, three. And we need a home course. We have no home course to play at.”
From clothing and shoes to golf balls, clubs, and push carts, Siml says they need it all. After word got out about the golf programs at Cass Tech, Siml said the response he has received for the team has been overwhelming, although there is much more needed to support the student athletes.
“I was amazed by everybody calling me and giving back,” said Siml. “It’s heartwarming and it makes me want to cry. From Oxford to Ann Arbor, to everywhere, it is really amazing on how many people want to give back to the sport they love.”
This is great! Encourage everyone to support.
— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) September 17, 2021
I’d like to start by donating $1,000 worth of golf balls to help their program get up and running next Spring.
Please help if you can. Info below👇 pic.twitter.com/72XB7gRoRF
Siml says that golf is what gives back though and that the lessons learned through playing golf are invaluable to youth.
“Honesty, integrity. It teaches you to never give up,” Siml said. “Every time you approach the ball it’s a new day. It’s a new time. It’s a new chance. You hit a bad ball, you get a second chance to hit a perfect ball. And you’re right back in the game. You can never give up in golf.”
Siml also applied for a youth sports program grant through Dick’s Sporting Goods. With the continued support that Siml hopes to get, he hopes to continue to grow the game of golf in Detroit by moving into middle school athletics.
To donate items to Martin Siml and the Cass Tech boys and girls golf programs, you can drop off items at Royal Oak Golf Center. Simle can also be directly contacted for item drop-offs or coaching opportunities at casstechgolf@outlook.com. To donate money, checks can be written to Cass Tech Varsity Golf Team.
