Liberty Corner, New Jersey and Ponte Vedre Beach, Florida, United States: The United States Golf Association (USGA) has distributed US$200,000 in grants across 20 First Tee chapters through the inaugural IDEA grant programme – a dedicated effort to directly empower inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the local golf level.

The programme was created this year to address the barriers that under-served and under-represented youths face in their potential introduction to and participation in golf and First Tee’s character-building programmes.

Grants range from US$20,000 to US$7,500 and support initiatives including transportation for youths to get to and from First Tee programme locations as well as recruitment and training of diverse staff and coaches.

“We have a commitment as an organisation to be an impactful partner to those in the industry who share our vision for what we want golf’s future to look like,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA.

“Both the USGA and First Tee believe that golf is a better game now and in the future when it’s accessible and representative of everyone, and it starts at the junior level,” he added.

Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, said: “The USGA’s support is a game-changer for youths in the communities that we serve. With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in under-served and under-represented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.”

Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than US$33 million among First Tee, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and Drive, Chip & Putt programmes in an effort to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a life-long passion for the game.

The commitment is part of a US$1.3 million annual investment the organisation makes in national programmes that reach young people, fuelled by revenue from the US Open.

Grant applications were available to First Tee chapters located within the 14 markets where USGA championships took place in 2021 and where they are scheduled in 2022, as well as chapters affiliated with one of the association’s 59 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs).

Located in all 50 States and Puerto Rico, AGAs serve millions of golfers at the recreational level by increasing engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.