Maryville Golf Academy

Maryville Golf Academy gives children and young adults the chance to learn to play golf, work, play and practice at neighboring golf facilities, and take part in caddy training. The program develops participants as players, caddies or clubmakers and also offers in-school golf as part of its activities.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Saint Mary’s Training School, renamed Maryville Academy in 1950, started in 1883, and the Maryville Golf Academy continues Maryville’s 140-year tradition. Established in 1994, Maryville Golf Academy continues this tradition of teaching children and young adults skill sets and life lessons and building their character to prepare them for a brighter and more successful future. The program is led by Juan Espejo, PGA, Program Director.

Maryville Golf Academy serves hundreds of children, youth and young adults who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn and grow in the game and teaches values and lessons inherent in golf such as etiquette, respect, honesty, perseverance, responsibility and sportsmanship. It teaches life skills to boys and girls in Maryville residential programs for displaced children, parenting and pregnant teens, the Department of Juvenile Justice Transitional Living Program and Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School. The program offers in-school golf and caddy training at faith-based entities such as Providence St. Mel, Christ the King and Hope Excel, and trains caddies at the Salvation Army and Joan Kroc Community Center. It is vested in areas where children are vulnerable, specifically in the Austin, Marquette, South Shore, Jackson Park and Pullman neighborhoods, and its programs grew to include serving veterans and their families. Inspired by two of the Illinois PGA Foundation initiatives, Project HOPE and Golf Works, Maryville Golf Academy expanded its efforts in the community.

Last updated January 14, 2026.