Engage New Players & Benefit from National Support
The following player development programs focus on youth and novice golfers; welcoming these programs into your facility can support your community, introduce you to new customers — and boost revenue! We also strive to help golf courses be as accessible and inclusive as possible; for programs actively focused on inviting and welcoming communities — people of color, women, players with disabilities, etc. — visit the Publications & Player Programs in the NGCOA Diversity & Inclusion Center.
Make Golf Your Thing Directory
This new directory includes more than 8,400 registered golf programs and organizations that meet the guidelines of the American Development Model established by the United States Olympic Committee and golf's governing bodies. The directory establishes a vehicle for new and diverse audiences to become more engaged in the sport by inviting them to participate in programs within their community. This new directory allows individuals to find instruction, as well as playing programs and events based on filters such as location, age, ability, gender, etc. Using these search parameters, individuals will receive curated results relevant to what's available in their area.
Drive, Chip and Putt
A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, Drive, Chip and Putt provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is broadcast live by Golf Channel.
The First Tee
For more than 22 years, The First Tee has been using the platform of golf to provide innovative and experiential learning opportunities for young people. Character education and long-term life skills are at the heart of their programs, which are delivered by coaches who have been trained in positive youth development. First Tee offers character education programs at golf courses, elementary schools and youth centers in all 50 states. First Tee is expanding globally and currently offers programs at six international locations.
GET GOLF READY
Aimed at bringing adults into the game in a fast, fun and affordable way, GET GOLF READY seeks to introduce the game to thousands of golfers each year. Targeting adults who have limited or no experience with the game of golf, GET GOLF READY is comprised of a series of five introductory lessons offered by PGA/LPGA Professionals in a small-group environment at prices ranging from approximately $99 to $199 (varies by facility).
Facility Sign-Up Process:
PGA Jr. League
PGA Jr. League is a game-changing opportunity for boys and girls to learn and play golf. The program brings family and friends together around fun, team golf experiences with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals. PGA Junior League also has proven to be an innovative and successful business model for PGA Professionals and facility operators looking to increase participation in their facility's youth programming.
TEE IT FORWARD
TEE IT FORWARD is a joint initiative between the USGA and the PGA of America that encourages players to play from a set of tees best suited to their driving distance. In addition to providing more enjoyment for golfers, teeing it forward also can be one of the most important steps that golfers take in improving pace of play. From the website, you can register to be a TEE IT FORWARD facility and learn how this program can help you provide a more enjoyable, faster on-course experience for the golfers at your course.
U.S. Kids Golf
U.S. Kids Golf, LLC was started in 1996 as a solution to the problem its founder, Dan Van Horn, experienced when trying to get his children, ages 5 and 8, into golf. To help fulfill the U.S. Kids mission, in 2000, two new and necessary initiatives began: Tournaments and Play & Learn. With the immediate success of the first World Championship, held in Jekyll Island, GA, a separate non-profit corporation was formed in 2001, the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation and today continues its operations as a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity.
Youth On Course
Youth on Course helps young people grow and succeed both on and off the course by providing opportunities to play, learn, grow, and build relationships through affordable, inclusive access to play. More than 100,000 members play more than 1,400 golf courses for $5 or less, benefit from career opportunities through the caddie and internship program and receive college scholarships. Youth on Course began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, more than one million subsidized rounds have been played by Youth on Course members and nearly $2 million has been awarded in college scholarships.