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16 OUR YUCAIPA | JANUARY 2016 By Natalie Palmer Golfers know the earlier they pick up the game, the better they will be at the sport. Eleven-year-old Tayler Muchmore is well on her way to the top of the sport with three tournament victories, three top five golfer of the season titles, and numerous other medals and victories. "She has a swing that would make any adult envious," said Ruben Ruiz, Golf Professional and her instructor at Yucaipa Valley Golf Course. Then there's Enoch Thomas, who on his sixth birthday played his first ever tournament (in 114° September Palm Desert heat) and earned his first of five medals in his first season and was named a Top five Golfer of the Season Award from the U.S. Kids Golf of Coachella. Also part of first time successes are brothers London and Cooper Colton who also medaled in their tournament debuts this past summer. Five-year-old Jack Predergast is also up and coming and is already medaling in local tournaments. "Ever since Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996 the game has gotten younger," said Ruiz. "I'm proud to say that junior golfers here in Yucaipa are making their mark." Ruiz has been the golf pro at the Yucaipa Valley Golf Club for two and half years. He is also associated with the U.S. Kids Golf Association of Coachella and will soon be an instructor for the First Tee Program of the Inland Empire. "I truly have my dream job," said Ruiz. "There is nothing that gives me more satisfaction than introducing someone to golf for the first time and helping them take it to the next level." Ruiz also works with three members of the Yucaipa High School girl's golf team, who went undefeated in their 2015 season. Makinzie Payne, Maggie Calloway and Kristie Beck were all relatively new to the game, said Ruiz, but showed tremendous dedication and ultimately made a huge impact on the team's success. Payne and Calloway even qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation individually. "The real beauty of working with these kids and young adults is that they will enjoy this game for a lifetime. As an added bonus they will have a great start on possibly securing a college education for free," said Ruiz. "So many golf scholarships go unused. If they have they desire there are companies that will make sure they get in front of colleges for recruitment." For more information, call Ruiz at (909) 561-3308 or email him at Rubenrz@aol.com. Young Golfers Excel in Yucaipa