The United States Golf Association awarded 45 new grants for the final quarter of 2007, totaling $870,176, to support golf programs across the nation for economically disadvantaged juniors and individuals with disabilities. The grant funds, part of the USGA’s $5-million total commitment for 2007, will be used for instruction, golf course and range access, equipment, transportation and the construction of accessible golf facilities.
The USGA has awarded more than $58 million since the Association implemented its “For the Good of the Game” grants initiative in 1997.
The USGA awarded a large percentage of this round of funds to support the construction of short courses, driving ranges and practice areas for juniors and individuals with disabilities. These alternative facilities are often the only accessible practice facilities for program participants.
“Affordable and accessible golf facilities are a crucial component of the grants initiative,” said USGA President Walter W. Driver Jr. “Without these facilities, junior golf programs and golf programs for individuals with disabilities might be unable to fulfill the mission of the USGA grants program of making golf affordable and accessible to everyone who wishes to play. These grants impact every individual participant, program and community.”
Among the larger grants are $100,000 to the YMCA of Pueblo, Colorado, $75,000 to The Connecticut Golf Foundation in Rocky Hill, Conn., $47,500 to the North Kohala Community Resource Center in Hawi, Hawaii, and $34,000 to Eliada Homes, Inc., in Asheville, N.C.
The grants cover 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. North Carolina received four grants. Two of the non-traditional programs rewarded were “Every Woman’s Place” in Muskegon, Mich., which received an $18,000 grant, and the St. Croix Junior Golf Association, which received a $17,500 grant.