June 6, 2021
Jay Wells Reflects on the Future of TGC, Our Youth
As a member of the TGC Board the last several years, I’ve had a front row seat to the revitalization of Ticonderoga Golf Course. Without a doubt, this year has been the most exciting yet with the opening of Seymour’s Restaurant, the Tap Room, and the new Pro-shop. New buildings, of course, are new beginnings, and with them comes a tremendous amount of hope.

When I returned to Ticonderoga after college, having married my high school sweetheart, I chose a career path that followed in the footsteps of my Dad, a longtime Gym Teacher and Athletic Director in Ticonderoga Central School District. My father always showed a commitment to youth that I admired, and many of his students as well as those he coached looked up to him. He cared about making life better for Ti students.
As an Educator in Ticonderoga, I have the unique opportunity to see the positive impact that community-minded people can have on our kids. TGC’s investment in the course and clubhouse has been nothing short of amazing, and I couldn’t be happier to see the growing number of youth present at the course.
For the last several years, I’ve been the golf coach in Ticonderoga, and it’s fun to see some of those kids lower their handicap. I think about Kimmy Wojcik, Clay Spaulding, Bobby Condit, Connor Lauzon, and Ben Swajger. These are kids who have learned from the game of golf – who have experienced lifetime values like honesty, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.
That’s why I’m so excited to see more and more junior permit holders at TGC – a record number in 2021. The Board is committed to keeping the permit price low for juniors because it’s a place where kids can be kids, discover a lifelong sport, and meet some great people.