GCBAA Foundation Sticks for Kids 2019 Status Report

2019

Golf Course Builders

Association of America

Foundation

Status Report

Who We Are The GCBAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), a non-profit trade association of the world’s foremost golf course builders and leading suppliers in the golf course industry. The GCBAA Foundation is committed to providing youth with the tools they need to explore the game of golf and potential careers in the golf industry. In 1997, the GCBAA Foundation launched Sticks for Kids, a junior golf outreach program that provides clubs, bags, teaching materials, and marketing materials to participants. Children ages 5-18 are taught the fundamentals of the game, as well as life lessons such as etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship, safety, and respect for themselves and others.

What We Do The GCBAA Foundation has developed the following goals: •

•

Develop and maintain the Sticks for Kids Program to

introduce golf to children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the game.

Fund a scholarship program to encourage University students to pursue careers in a green industry, such as the golf industry. GCBAA members and others can increase donations in the form of matching

•

scholarships.

Support other programs and organizations that benefit both society and the growth of the golf industry.

President’s Message A message from Foundation President, Tom Shapland It would seem appropriate to start the annual Foundation Report with a recitation of our mission as it was stated in our original documents and follow that with a discussion of where we are succeeding and where we can improve.

Foundation BOARD

John Holmes

Atlas Turf International Limited

Jimmy Kirchdorfer, II

GCBAA Foundation Mission The common goal of the Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation is to provide support for programming, from the elementary to the college level, for youth interested in the game of golf and students seeking careers in a green industry.

The GCBAA Foundation has implemented the following initiatives: 1.

Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

Develop and maintain the Sticks for Kids Program to introduce the game of golf to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to, which, at the same time educates them in the rules of golf, life’s values and the environment.

2.

Rick Lohman

Fund a scholarship program to encourage University students to pursue careers in a green industry such as the golf industry.

3.

Support benevolent programs that support golf causes that benefit society and the golf industry.

ISCO Industries

Bill Kubly

The Toro Company

Allan MacCurrach, III MacCurrach Golf

Ellen Davis

Waupaca Sand & Solutions – SportZmix

Doug York Ewing Irrigation

Jon Truttmann

(Board Liaison/Advisor) Hunter Industries

With regard to establishing and supporting programs to develop another generation of golfers, we have performed and continue to perform reasonably well. The best Sticks for Kids programs continue to thrive and we add new programs annually. But we experienced some attrition, and, when it became difficult to add new programs in a responsible manner, we made a tentative step into high school programs. While this initiative has not exactly rocketed off the map, we believe it has significant potential – particularly if we can get GCBAA members pushing the program in their local school districts.

Where we have had a much greater impact is through our partnership with the LPGA and USGA in establishing and supporting Girls Golf programs around the country. While

our traditional Sticks for Kids Programs remain strong, the partnership with LPGA Instructors has created a sustainable model for programming with growing programs that utilize the equipment and resources from our foundation investment. In summary, we have not lost sight of our goal to build participation in the game and, hopefully, build demand for our members.

With respect to the scholarship program, after an initial robust start, the economic downturn in the first decade of this century severely constrained opportunities for students to develop careers in our industry. In short, no one was hiring. It, therefore, seemed senseless to assist in paying for educations that would neither benefit the student or the industry. This situation has changed recently, particularly for the contractors. The matching scholarship program could easily be revived if any of the members can target a particular student attending a particular school.

Providing financial support to worthy causes both in the golf industry and in our troubled society seems like a simple quest. It is not. The Foundation Board is acutely aware that there are countless worthy causes. Picking one and skipping another is not a task undertaken lightly. The Board members do not wish to appear to have personal agendas with what is essentially your money. Perhaps with new leadership, this problem will soon be overcome.

But thanks to you members and the wonderful partnerships forged between vendors and the Foundation, the thoughtful donations to the auctions and the sometimes whimsical purchases of those items by our members, we have been very successful at raising money. We currently have a balance of $400,000 in the Foundation. We are actively trying to spend that money as rapidly and responsibly as is possible. Please send any suggestions to Justin on how we might improve in attaining that goal.

$736,000

Total GCBAA Foundation Support for new and existing Sticks for Kids programs since 2007.

373

Active Sticks for Kids Programs throughout the United States in 2019.

284

Active LPGA Programs throughout the United States in 2019.

508,718 Youth Participants in

Sticks for Kids since 2007. Programs range from 1 to 14,000 Per Year.

Where We Are Going

What makes Sticks for Kids unique is its ability to craft its program

without requiring participants to follow a multipurpose schedule. In lieu, the

GCBAA Foundation inspires programs to utilize gear that fits their environment and the children they assist. Right now, there are 373 active Sticks for Kids programs in the United States, and that number continues to grow.

Your community can also host Stick for Kids programs by applying on

our website or calling our office. All we require is that the programs handle

the equipment with care, make the clubs accessible to children at no cost,

and get back to us with information about the program so we can share the success stories and ensure the success of Sticks for Kids long into the future.

Our goal is to make Sticks for Kids available in various communities

thus creating a more inclusive world of golf. To support our projects, you can donate on our website or spread the word by speaking to your friends and family about Sticks for Kids.

Program Profile: Full Circle How do a brother and sister who work a continent apart in utterly different segments of the golf business unexpectedly connect to help grow the game for girls? Read on…

By Pat Jones

It should come as no great surprise that the

MacCurrach clan bleeds both tartan and golf. Allan MacCurrach builds courses as head of the Floridabased GCBAA member company that bears his

family’s name. Jen MacCurrach builds opportunities for kids to grow and learn golf as head of one of

America’s best First Tee programs in Austin, Texas.

Their worlds came full circle recently in a

perfect example of how diverse parts of the golf

community can work together to achieve a really

important goal: introducing girls to the game and

Investing In The Future

Looking forward, the GCBAA Foundation is committed to ensuring the

ongoing success of the Sticks for Kids program, as well as helping cultivate

giving them clubs to keep them coming back.

“Our foundation has operated the Sticks for

Kids program forever and we’ve given tons of grants of equipment,” says Allan. “It’s a fantastic program because it works.”

the next generation of junior golfers. Golf is not just a passing fad-it is a

Lately the program has focused heavily on supporting

environmental stewardship, honesty, integrity, and etiquette. The lessons they

Sticks for Kids clubs are included as part of the

game and a lifestyle that can teach children the importance of fitness, learn today are lessons that can shape the rest of their lives.

The GCBAA Foundation expanded its Sticks for Kids program by

providing equipment and support to 284 LPGA*USGA Girls Golf locations. The

grants through the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program. program funding. It’s been a win for all involved.

But, not long ago, an eagle-eyed GCBAA

staffer noticed something about the girls golf grant

partnership will offer proper instruction from certified teachers (PGA or LPGA)

application from The First Tee of Greater Austin: the

MacCurrach. Not exactly a Smith or Jones kind of

that provides a consistent, safe and welcoming environment.

The GCBAA Foundation will continue to support its existing Sticks

for Kids programs by offering maintenance grants to active programs.

Executive Director of that chapter is one Jennifer name. Hmmmm?

Maintenance grants allow established and active Sticks for Kids programs

“Nope, I had no clue she had applied,” admits

that have achieved high participation and usage rates will be given priority

“I knew he was on the board but I never said

the opportunity to apply for replacement or additional equipment. Programs consideration, though all active programs will be eligible to apply in 2019.

brother Allan.

a word,” laughs his sister Jen.

Allan fully admits to not exactly being

immersed in the details of the foundation he helps

to fund and oversee. “I’m kind of an empty suit on the board,” he says sheepishly.

It’s a cute story but it also illustrates how

allied organizations like GCBAA, the USGA and the LPGA are making strides to connect more girls with golf.

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is driven by teaching programs at 500 sites around the country, clinics and terrific

social media. But the ability to provide kids with clubs is critical and that’s where Sticks for Kids comes in.

“We MacCurrachs all started out with hand-

me-down clubs and it definitely makes you realize

it’s so important for kids to have equipment that fits them,” says Jen, a former professional player and

noted instructor who’s led First Tee in Austin over the course of two decades.

“It makes the game so much more enjoyable

and boosts retention. But from the kid’s perspective,

particularly kids that don’t have a lot of stuff, to get a

brand new anything is amazing. Everything they own is a hand-me-down. You watch their face as they

realize those new clubs are theirs to keep…it’s just pure joy.”

Jen says Austin’s First Tee gives out 200 sets

a year and they’ve set up a trade-in program to allow

kids to adapt as they grow. The core program reaches 1,200 kids a year including a very active LPGA-USGA

Girls Golf Program and another 6,000 kids through the chapters various outreach programs. And yes, the

kids have to show they can handle the responsibility before they receive a set of Sticks for Kids clubs.

“We really didn’t have a partnership to easily

provide equipment to the girls, says the LPGA’s Laura Diaz. “Sticks for Kids bridged that gap and helped us

solve that problem. Every girl who wants to play has the opportunity to do so but now they also have an

opportunity to have their own clubs. That’s where the GCBAA Foundation came in. Their support has been amazing.”

Diaz adds that it’s “incredibly meaningful

to see those girls receive clubs. We’re challenged to provide access and equipment and Sticks for Kids

has allowed us to give hundreds of girls clubs who wouldn’t have had them otherwise.”

Tom Shapland, who’s helped lead the

GCBAA Foundation for years, says Sticks for Kids

growing partnership with the LPGA and USGA has

been truly significant for the organization. “They have tremendous resources and we feel great about the

process they’re using to give grants.” Shapland says.

“This is a great way to focus Sticks for Kids to have

the best impact overall. The fact that Allan’s sister is involved makes it even better.”

GCBAA’s Justin Apel echoed that: “We feel

great about the girls golf partnership and the success that program is having. And I love the fact that it’s a family affair in this case.”

As for the MacCurrachs?

“I think it’s awesome that it came full circle,”

says Allan of the MacCurrach connection. “I grew up

shoveling dirt and got to be part of something bigger that came back around and ultimately help my sister’s part of golf.”

“I just want to thank the GCBAA,” says

Jen. “They’re providing an opportunity for kids that just otherwise wouldn’t have it. For our industry to

embrace this program and for everyone understand

how important those clubs are…it really does come full circle.”

Friends of the Foundation Platinum Level

Bronze Level

Golf Course Builders Association of America

Audubon International Course Crafters, Inc. D.H.R. Construction Duininck Golf Dye Designs International Eagle Golf & Landscape Products Fairmount Minerals Foundation FedEx Services Finish Line Youth Foundation Forward Management Group Frontier Golf Golf Course Industry Magazine Golf Creations Kinder Porter Scott Family Foundation LASCO Fittings McDonald & Sons, Inc. Mid-America Golf and Landscape, Inc. Prince Project Evergreen Ryangolf Corporation Sam Ferro Smith Turf & Irrigation Terry & Karen Gwinn The Turf Company Thomas Turf Services, Inc. Tommy Sasser Total Golf Construction, Inc Total Turf Services, Inc

($100,000 or more)

Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation/Wadsworth Golf Construction Company

Gold Level

Partners & Sponsors The work of the for Kids program would not be possible without the dedicated staff, loyal members, and generous sponsors who work hard to make it all happen. We would like to thank the following

organizations, companies, and individuals for their generosity and continued support.

($50,000 up to $99,999) The Toro Company and Foundation Caterpillar, Inc.

Silver Level

($10,000 up to $49,999) Heritage Links Hydrema U.S. Inc. ISCO Industries, LLC Jim Kirchdorfer Memorial Landscapes Unlimited, LLC Sunbelt Rentals USGA (United States Golf Association)

($1,000 up to $9,999)

United Golf, LLC

2019 By The Numbers MORE THAN

40,000

children and young adults participated in Sticks for Kids programs.

Organization Type 4%

Community Type

12%

Non-Profit

29% Urban

APPROXIMATELY

$14,000

Participant Skill Level 23% Intermediate 22% Advanced

13

Long-standing Sticks for Kids

programs received

NEW EQUIPMENT through the SFK Maintenance Grant.

was allocated to existing programs

Smallest Program:

AR

P

82% Parks & Recreation

were launched, with the partnership with LPGA-USGA Girls Golf

27% Rural

Golf Course Military

New Sticks for Kids programs

44% Suburban

55% Beginner

2%

220

Participant Gender

TICIPAN

T

Largest Program:

PARTICIPANTS

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT

Sticks for Kids

We have really appreciated

the support of the GCBAA Sticks for Kids program in the past and hope to continue our

Thank you for sending us those clubs.

They were awesome.”

KIM S.

The Olde Course at Loveland

relationship going forward.

Our chapter is located in

Genesee County right next to Flint Michigan where

we have seen our share of

struggles and inequities in our neighborhoods.

We were just getting past the Flint Water Crisis when the

pandemic hit so our area has a tremendous amount of need.”

DIANE W.

The First Tee of Eastern Michigan

Thank you for your

support, your program has allowed for girls

We are now in year

been introduced to the

clubs that Sticks

clubs to use during our

Literally

who may not have

three of the sets of

game to have great

for Kids donated.

helps them see their potential sooner.” programs which

TERESA Z.

Port Orange Girls Golf

Our golf program has

The donation my Girls Golf program received last year was

you enough for the Clubs

In only my second season at Tallwood CC, we had over 50

ended. We can’t thank

and equipment that you provided for our kids.

thousands of rounds have been played

Thank you for the clubs and all the great things you are doing for children

HAYDE E.

SARAH S.

with the clubs!”

Tennessee Golf Foundation

interested in golf.”

Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association

instrumental in growing our site. THANK YOU. girls registered in our program and over half of my kids

did not own golf equipment. I made the clubs you donated available to my girls during our Girls Golf clinics and when they came to the golf course with their families to play or

practice. A funny story…when I first brought the new clubs

out to a clinic, ALL of the girls wanted to use the new clubs… even the ones who owned clubs!”

NICOLE D.

Tallwood Country Club

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINCOLN, NE PERMIT #40

Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation 6040 S. 58th St., Suite D, Lincoln, NE 68516 Phone: (402) 476-4444 Fax: (402) 476-4489 www.gcbaa.org/Foundation ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED