The USGA is awarding its latest round of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) grants to 27 First Tee chapters across America, building upon a longstanding commitment to create a more accessible game and impact communities through golf.
And two recipients are based in NorCal--First Tee Monterey County and First Tee Central Coast.
First Tee Monterey County has identified a growing number of children considered homeless in its area and hopes to inspire and engage these youths with new programs. The chapter plans to allow 25 participants to travel to King City Golf Course, which it assumed management of in 2022, where they will participate in four, two-hour clinics with a PGA instructor. Following the program, the students will take a field trip to Pebble Beach Golf Academy and participate in a clinic hosted by academy director Laird Small.
First Tee Central Coast offers children from People’s Self Help Housing in Guadalupe, Calif., their first exposure to the game. Over 20 participants from low-income households are invited to two-hour, off-course classes prior to taking lessons on-course at Santa Maria Country Club and Blacklake Golf Course, where they have access to the practice facilities and are able to play a hole of golf.
In 2023, chapters selected will receive up to $15,000 to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers and build programs in diverse communities, among other activities. USGA grant funding, which totals $200,000, will enhance grassroots efforts that help break down barriers of entry.
“It’s important that we don’t let up on our efforts to drive greater diversity and inclusion at the junior level,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “By meeting youths within their schools and communities, and collaborating closely with our industry partners, we are opening up more pathways at a critical entry point into the game.”