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Sticks for Kids Partnering with LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program in 2018
Lincoln, NE (Jan. 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. 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," said 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," said 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.
For more information, or to find a local course participating in Sticks for Kids, visit https://www.gcbaa.org/Foundation/Sticks-for-Kids or https://www.girlsgolf.org/home.
About the GCBAA and the GCBAA Foundation
The Golf Course Builders Association of America is a non-profit trade association of the world's foremost golf course builders and leading suppliers to the golf course construction industry. It was founded in the early 1970s, and its members represent all segments of the golf course industry. The GCBAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the GCBAA and a separate, 501(c)(3) organization. The GCBAA's national executive office is located in Lincoln, Neb. For more information, visit www.gcbaa.org or call (402) 476-4444.
About LPGA*USGA Girls Golf
Since its founding in 1989, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is the only national junior golf program that specializes in providing girl-friendly environments for juniors to learn the game of golf. Each site help prepare girls ages 6-17 for a lifetime of enjoyment of the game while also inspiring them to feel confident, build positive self-esteem and live active and healthy lives through the "Five E's": Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise and Energize. The LPGA's Headquarters is located in Daytona Beach, FL. For more information, visit www.girlsgolf.org or call 386-274-6200.
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