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ROYAL OAK — There’s always a sense of excitement when local athletes shine in their respective fields, but even more so when they return to help the next generation.
For professional golfer and Canton native Donnie Trosper, he was able to do just that.
TGA Premier Sports held a youth golf clinic at Royal Oak Golf Center on July 23.
TGA began as an introductory-level camp for sports in Los Angeles back in 2003, and it has now spread across the country with branches in over 20 states and a location in Ontario. TGA offers programs in cheerleading, field hockey, lacrosse, golf, flag football, premier tennis, ultimate frisbee and volleyball.
Dave Robinson founded the TGA of Southeast Michigan golf franchise back in 2008 and wanted this golf clinic to be a special one.
“We haven’t done an event like this before,” Robinson said.
Trosper, who played collegiately at Michigan State University, conducted two 90-minute clinics with 42 young TGA Premier Sports athletes ages 6-14.
Trosper was in town attempting to qualify for the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and made it to the final qualifier at The Orchards Golf Club on July 25 before missing the cut.
While the final outcome wasn’t what Trosper had hoped for, he was able to make a significant impact on young golfers during his time back.
“Who wouldn’t want to take the opportunity to give back and do something for the community?” Trosper said.
Trosper’s first Professional Golf Association tournament came locally in 2020 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
While assisting the future golfers, Trosper reflected on his own start in the game.
“My mom said I was hitting apples with this Mickey Mouse club,” Trosper said laughing. “Ever since then, she knew I’d probably take up golf.”
Trosper spent time at the clinic taking swings with different clubs, answering questions, and working one on one with each attendee. The young golfers were able to work on their putting and driving during the clinic.
Trosper said he’s always enjoyed working with young students of the game, and said there may be coaching in his future.
“It’s funny you say that; I was just thinking about that last week,” Trosper said. “I have definitely thought about that.”
TGA stands for teach, grow, and achieve, and Trosper said his first lesson to the young golfers revolved around those qualities.
“Must have integrity and be honest out there; nobody wants to see anyone doing anything they’re not supposed to,” Trosper said. “I see that as a big positive; it shows that you have really good character.”
TGA assistant coach and former TGA golf student Lauren Timpf also instructed and assisted at the golf clinic alongside Trosper. Timpf, who will be a junior at Macomb Lutheran North, was named Macomb County Golfer of the Year in 2021 after winning the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division III state golf championship.
Timpf, along with 79 other coaches, were former students of TGA golf, and Robinson said he has pride in that.
“That’s the most proud I am of what we’ve done,” Robinson said.
