If you’re taking some nationalistic pride in watching Brooke Henderson, Adam Hadwin and the other Canadians on the pro tours enjoy unprecedented success, then it’s time to ask yourself, “What can I do to support upcoming generations of Canadian golfers? How can I give back to the game?”
Surprise! I have the answer: Support the second annual Adopt a School Week from Sept. 18 to 22.
Adopt a School is a component of Future Links Golf in Schools driven by Acura, an umbrella junior development initiative created by Golf Canada in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and PHE Canada with support from the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada as a program partner. It provides golf facilities, companies and individuals with the opportunity to “adopt” one or more schools of their choosing to introduce the Golf in Schools program at that school. (Schools can also enroll in the program on their own.)
Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for almost half of the more than 3,200 registered schools delivering the Future Links Golf in Schools driven by Acura curriculum. Last year, 234 new schools were adopted, introducing golf to an average of 120 students per school. Currently, the Golf in Schools program is in more than 3,200 schools with more than 380,000 students coast to coast.
While each of the preceding partners has a vital role, much rests on the country’s golf facilities and golfers to make this program succeed. Why? Because, ideally, each school is linked with a green-grass facility like a course or a range and none of this is feasible without financial support from donors like you.
Facilities that have linked to schools have reported significant increases from the business side, such as memberships, lessons and food and beverage, as well as the long-term gratification of enhancing the ongoing vitality of the game. Participating teachers at “adopted” schools laud the program for its emphasis not just on golf but on developing affiliated values such as perseverance, etiquette, character and honesty.
So whether your support helps develop the next Brooke Henderson or Adam Hadwin or just gets kids in your community interested in the game you love, you can take justifiable pride in the fact that you’ve given back to the game.
Invest in the future of golf in Canada. Support Adopt a School Week.
To support Adopt a School Week, visit www.golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool/ or call 1-800-263-0009 ext. 475.