Already established in 48 states in the U.S., The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation's Sticks For Kids youth program is expanding to China. GCBAA International member, Forward Management Group, plans to setup a test program the fourth quarter of this year and roll out the full program in China in 2009.
"The Sticks for Kids program has been a very important part of the Foundation's mission to expand and grow the sport of golf," GCBAA Foundation President Bill Kubly said. "In addition to our programs here in the states, we have established programs at five U.S. military bases. To be able to begin to grow internationally into a market like China is a big boost not only to GCBAA members but to the industry as a whole."
Based in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, Forward Management Group is funding the Sticks for Kids China programs. The company is a well-established golf course builder in China, having constructed 16-courses throughout the country.
Designed for children ages six to 15, the Sticks for Kids program gives participating youth the opportunity to learn about such golf fundamentals as stance, gripping, pitching, chipping, putting and swinging. Participants will also learn golf safety, etiquette, integrity and discipline.
Golf clubs and marketing funds are provided by the GCBAA Foundation in conjunction with its partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. The U.S. program is expected to grow to over 400 programs in 2009 and to cover all 50 states. A minimum of 100 new programs will be added each year for the foreseeable future.
It's estimated that over 60,000 children nationwide participated in the over 282 Sticks for Kids programs in 2008 and 35,000 used the golf clubs to play a round of golf after training.