Following the establishment of 100 new Sticks for Kids programs in 2007, the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation announced 170 additional programs will be added in 2008, with the commitment of 100 more programs to be added in 2009.
"The GCBAA Foundation started the Sticks for Kids program as a way to ensure the future of the game by exposing young people to golf and life values it represents," foundation president Bill Kubly says. "It is a way to give back something to the game that we all love and depend on."
The addition of the new Sticks for Kids programs this year will bring the total number of programs to280. Sticks for Kids is now conducted in 48 states and eight military bases. Last year, over 20,000 children nationwide were trained through Sticks for Kids seminars.
Through Sticks for Kids, ten sets of golf clubs with bags are donated to each hosting program. In 2007, it's estimated that donated clubs were used over 15,000 times by junior golfers in programmed and pre-pre-planned golf events.
Along with the addition of the new Sticks for Kids programs in 2007, the GCBAA Foundation initiated a new scholarship program designed for students interested in pursing golf course construction industry curriculums offered at 20 different universities. Thanks to additional matching scholarships provided by GCBAA members, a total of 37, $1,000 scholarships were awarded this past year.
To learn more about the GCBAA Foundation or to make a donation, contact the GCBAA at 402-476-4444 or visit www.gcbaa.org Web site and click on the Foundation page.