The small program that could

Interest in golf has been declining. The number of players dropped from 30 million in 2005 to 24.7 million in 2014, according to the National Golf Foundation. While there are several ideas about changing the game to make it faster and easier, if the Golf Course Builders Association of America has anything to say about it, the game needs to reach out to youngsters to make golf a lifetime pursuit.

Founded in the 1970s, the GCBAA read the writing on the wall in 1997. The game of golf needed to engage young people to keep the sport thriving. The result was the GCBAA Foundation and the creation of the Sticks for Kids Program.

This simple program provides clubs, bags and teaching materials to get kids out on the course. Marketing and teaching materials are provided to golf clubs and groups to help children from 5-18 learn the game’s fundamentals. They are also taught life skills such as self-control, etiquette and timeliness.

"Some of my students are so enamored with the courses that they have secured jobs as cart boys, counter help, and even tournament helpers," says Rachelle Renee, teacher at Expo Alternative High School in Waterloo, Iowa. "They come away realizing that golf is truly a lifetime sport."

In Rock Island, Ill., Big River Juniors has exposed an estimated 3,000 children to golf over the past seven years. "We have a large group of our former students playing high school golf, and a few more playing at the college level, as well," says William Fetty, golf services manager with the city of Rock Island. "We seem to get almost as many girls as boys these days, and it is rare to find a kid who has participated not wanting to come back and mentor the 'little kids' in the program."

Any golf course, company or youth organization can launch a Sticks for Kids program in their community. After an application is approved, the local program can receive up to 10 sets of junior golf clubs and bags and teaching and marketing materials. Depending on available funds, up to $1,000 can be awarded to reach program objectives. Individuals or groups can also start a program with their $1,000 donation and specify the recipient course or youth group for the funds.

Since the program has been successful for so long, some clubs have worn out their equipment. The Foundation comes to the rescue with Maintenance Grants to replace worn-out clubs and bags.

To date, more than 350,000 children have participated in the program and GCBAA has donated about $600,000 to get kids golfing.

"Sticks for Kids is one of many golf association sponsored programs available for facilities," says Justin Apel, GCBAA executive director. "It is one tool in the toolbox of programs to recruit and retain golfers. We are proud of our program in that it can be catered to other initiatives to compliment and encourage the growth of the game."

Helen M. Stone is a freelance writer on the West Coast specializing in turf and landscape.