Spotlight on GCBAA's Sticks for Kids

While somewhat unfortunately named, the Golf Course Builders Association of America’s Stick for Kids Program has steadily grown. Here are some of the good things they’re up to this year:

LINCOLN, Neb. (Jan. 20, 2009) - More children than ever are learning the fundamentals of golf through Sticks for Kids. The program, sponsored by the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation (GCBAA), has taken a giant leap in programming for 2009, expanding to 407 programs in all 50 states, five military bases and, for the first time, establishing the program in China.

In addition, this year Sticks for Kids Program has formed a partnership with Project EverGreen and the National Audubon Society to give participants information to help them become stewards of the environment.

Sticks for Kids is a program designed to provide golf instruction to children ages 6 to 15. The program gives youth the opportunity to learn golf fundamentals such as stance, gripping, pitching, chipping, putting and swinging. Participants also learn golf safety, etiquette, integrity and discipline. Each hosting program receives 10 sets of donated golf clubs with bags for the children to use on site.

“By increasing the number of Sticks for Kids program sites, golf is brought to many more children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play the sport,” said Bill Kubly, foundation president. “As the program expands, there will be more opportunities for young people to learn to play golf and continue to enjoy the game throughout their life.”

Last year, about 60,000 children in 282 programs learned the fundamentals of golf through Sticks for Kids seminars. This is more than double the estimated 25,000 children who took the seminar in 2007. Paul Foley, GCBAA executive director, said the program is anticipated to grow a minimum of 100 locations a year for the foreseeable future, thanks to an agreement with the National Recreation and Park Association.

In addition to Sticks for Kids continuing its regular program, the partnership with Project EverGreen and the Audubon Society will teach children about taking care of the environment. After finishing the environmental instruction, each child will receive a bag tag, certificate and flyer to take home.

Another new program this year provides club replacement or re-griping at sites which have been in the program two years or more.

The GCBAA Foundation is in its second year offering scholarships for students who are pursuing a college degree focused on the golf course construction industry. The 48 available scholarships are offered through 24 universities.

To learn more about the GCBAA Foundation or to make a donation, contact the GCBAA at (402) 476-4444 or visit www.gcbaa.org and click on the Foundation page.

–WKW