LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The Lafayette Sheriff's Department hosted their 2025 Sheriff Mark Garber Youth Golf Clinic and Tournament for the local youth, teaching them sportsmanship, integrity, and teamwork, and providing them with a fun day of golf.

Kids such as Declan Walker,7, were able to boost their confidence and grow their passion for the game, an opportunity that isn't offered everyday.

"We usually only play like about three times a week. We usually go to the course to practice on real grass and also we go to the new Topgolf near us that was built like a year ago. ." Walker said.

Like Walker, many of the participants learn to become experienced golfers through the Sheriff Mark Garber Annual Golf Tournament. But, talent level isn't what this event is about. Amy Daigle, with the Lafayette Sheriff's Department, helps coordinate this event ad shared the impact the clinic provides amongst the local youth.

"It teaches the kids sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, teamwork, and just to get them out and out of the from in front of the electronics, out in the fresh air and have a good time." Daigle said. "Yeah. We get some kids out here that have never touched golf clubs and we get some kids that play on school teams. So we run the game here, in trying to encourage that."

Not only did Walker along with many other kids gained awards for their sportsman-like efforts at the end of the program, but they gained experience with a fun day full of golf and important lessons to carry along the way.

Latest news