Source: Golf Builders Association of America
GCBAA Foundation reports more than 132,000 participants last year
LINCOLN, Neb. - With 510 programs located in all 50 states, 12 military bases and China, the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation's Sticks for Kids programs demonstrated phenomenal results last year.
"In order to make the Sticks for Kids programs successful, it not only takes financial support, but the fantastic efforts of hundreds of volunteers across the country," said Bill Kubly, president of the GCBAA Foundation. "The Foundation continues to maintain the strong belief that programs such as Sticks for Kids are essential to the future growth of the great game of golf."
With more than 132,000 participants in Sticks for Kids programs in 2010, the total number of children participating in the last four years reached 300,000, including 5,000 youth in 32 cities in China. The GCBAA Foundation began the programs over a decade ago and became a partner program of the National Recreation and Park Association in 2006. The Foundation recently announced it will add an additional 50 programs in 2011. Here are some interesting statistics regarding Sticks for Kids programs in 2010:• 80 percent of participants were 6 to 13 years old• 55 percent of the programs were taught by PGA or LPGA instructors• 53 percent of participants were first time golfers• Of those participating, 35 percent were female, compared to 21 percent female for all US junior golfers The GCBAA Foundation provides 10 sets of clubs and bags for each program site along with marketing and instruction materials. The children are not only taught the game of golf, but also receive instruction on safety, integrity, discipline, sportsmanship and respect for self and others in addition to how to be good environmental stewards. The golf clubs are kept at the golf facility for free use by the children throughout the year.
For more information about Sticks for Kids or to donate, go to www.gcbaafoundation.org. About the GCBAA and the GCBAA FoundationThe 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.
