Sticks for Kids Partnering with LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program in 2018

The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation is expanding its Sticks for Kids program by providing equipment and support to 75 new LPGA*USGA Girls Golf locations in 2018.

Since its establishment in 1997, the GCBAA Foundation has taken special interest in supporting underprivileged children by launching Sticks for Kids, a junior golf outreach program for youth aged 5-18. The program currently has 170 sites impacting the lives of over 20,000 children in 41 states and two international locations, according to the association. Children are taught not only the fundamentals of the game, but also life lessons such as etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship, safety and respect for themselves and others.

“The partnership between Sticks for Kids and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf will offer proper equipment and instruction from certified teachers (PGA or LPGA) that provides a consistent, safe and welcoming environment,” says GCBAA Foundation President Tom Shapland.

“Our partnership with GCBAA will allow us to continue to provide the necessary tools and support to empower even more girls through the game of golf. EVERY girl should have this opportunity to participate in this engaging program,” says LPGA Foundation Director Kiernan Schindler.

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, which began in Phoenix in 1989, specializes in providing a “girl-friendly” environment for juniors to learn and play the game of golf and the program has expanded to 420 sites across the United States, with more than 80 being added last year. Girls under the age of 18 represent the fastest growing sector in the U.S. golf population since 2010 and more than 70,000 girls were engaged in 2017 by the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf initiative.

The GCBAA Foundation will continue to support its existing Sticks for Kids programs by offering maintenance grants to active programs. Maintenance grants allow established and active Sticks for Kids programs the opportunity to apply for replacement or additional equipment. Programs that have achieved high participation and usage rates will be given priority consideration, though all active programs will be eligible to apply in 2018.