At Nextgengolf, we love hearing about great youth golf organizations growing the game. There are a number of great junior golf organizations out there, but we recently learned about a golf program called Sticks For Kids which provides underprivileged youths free golf clubs and the opportunity learn the game in a meaningful way. Sticks For Kids is run by the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) which is one of golf’s governing bodies that many of us probably did not know exists. Learn more about the GCBAA and their programming below.

The GCBAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the Golf Course Builders Association of America. Formed in 1997, the GCBAA Foundation is committed to providing youths (from elementary through college) with tools and opportunities to explore the game of golf and potential careers in the golf industry. The Foundation launched Sticks for Kids, a junior golf outreach program that provides clubs, bags, teaching and marketing materials to the participating program and it's junior golfers.

Children ages 5-18 are taught the fundamentals of the game as well as life lessons such as etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship, safety and respect for themselves and others. Since its inception, more than 393,700 youths have been introduced to the game of golf through Sticks for Kids. In 2017, the GCBAA Foundation approved funding for 14 new Sticks for Kids programs throughout the United States and 1 in South Africa. The goal is to make Sticks for Kids available in communities to create a more inclusive world of golf.

It’s amazing to continue learning about the generosity in golf and opportunities that exist out there for kids to learn the game. If there is a Sticks for Kids chapter in your local community, I would highly suggest sharing this exceptional program for any golfer age 5-18 in your area. To learn more about the Sticks for Kids and find local chapters, please visit www.gcbaa.org/Foundation/Sticks-for-Kids.