GCBAA 2016 Status Report

Golf Course Builders Association of America

Foundation

2016 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

A

s we welcome this new year, I would like to thank all of you for your support throughout the past few years. The Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation would not be able to stand firm and thrive without the sustenance of the golf industry, especially the Golf Course Builders Association. We had a successful 2016, in which we impacted the lives of many at-risk youth and disabled adults. Without question, this would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of a wonderful staff and great donors.

In the pages that follow, we have included many of the milestones that we have accomplished this year, so that you may get an idea of where we’re headed. I urge you to read past the numbers to the testimonials of parents, guardians and even instructors to get a better sense of the important work that we do at the GCBAA Foundation and with our Sticks for Kids program. The testimonials detail the great improvements seen in children ever since they were afforded the opportunity to pick up a golf club and participate in such a disciplined, yet rewarding sport.

Tom Shapland • Foundation President

Foundation Board Mark Arrimour Total Turf Services

I believe that Sticks for Kids will continue to thrive with the goals to reach more children, support more communities, and work for inclusion and diversity by reaching out to high schools and promoting the participation of girls in golf. To accomplish all our goals, we need your help. It is very easy to support the GCBAA foundation, either by donating or raising awareness by telling friends and family about our work. We will be eternally grateful for any fashion in which you choose to support our work.

I want to take a moment and thank many of our generous supporters. We are delighted that you have taken an interest in us. To USGA, Wadsworth Golf Construction Company, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, LPGA, PGA, Project EverGreen, Audubon International, America’s Promise Alliance, Auction Supporters and GCBAA members, thank you for your donations and your commitment in us.

Last but not least I want to thank Mr. Greg Norman for his backing of the Sticks for Kids program. I look forward to getting him out to some of our active programs to see firsthand the impact Sticks for Kids is having on our youth.

Thank you for all your contributions. We stand tall and continue to succeed because of your continued support.

Tom Shapland Foundation President

Jimmy Kirchdorfer ISCO Industries

Bill Kubly

Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

Kun Li

Forward Group

Rick Lohman

The Toro Company

Dennis Wagner Hunter Industries

Doug York

Ewing Irrigation

393,718

Youth participants in Sticks For Kids since 2007. Programs range from 1 to 14,000 participants per year.

$542,000 Total GCBAA Foundation support for new and existing SFK programs since 2007.

14

Long-standing Sticks for Kids Programs that received new equipment in 2016 through the GCBAA Foundation Maintenance Grant.

248

Active SFK Programs throughout the United States in 2016.

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 the next generation of junior golfers. Golf is not just a passing fad; it is a game and a lifestyle that can teach children the importance of fitness, environmental stewardship, honesty, integrity, and etiquette. The lessons they learn today are lessons that can shape the rest of their lives.

The GCBAA Foundation will continue to grow the Sticks for Kids program by allocating funding to new programs that qualify and by helping successful long-standing programs continue to thrive by providing them with new equipment through the Sticks for Kids Maintenance Grant.

The GCBAA Foundation is proud to have professional golfer and GCBAA member Greg Norman endorsing the Sticks for Kids program. With his personal support of Sticks for Kids and us exploring options to launch a new Scholarship and Internship Program that will benefit both university students and GCBAA member companies, we anticipate an optimistic future.

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 248 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.

GCBAA scholarship recipients Yujie Gao (L) and Vincent Bachteler.

Both are students at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.

Program Profile - Mike Katherina

I

t may have been the fastest email response of Mike Katherina’s life. After reading a message about the

“I put a penny down right next to the tee, made her close her eyes, and then I would cover the penny with a piece of

GCBAA Foundation and its Sticks for Kids program, he

paper,” he explained. “I would tell her to make sure her eyes

replied within 30 seconds, as he immediately knew that he

were right on that penny. After she was done hitting, she

wanted to be involved in the Foundation’s Sticks for Kids

needed to pick up the paper and tell me if the penny had

Program.

landed on heads or tails. She kept doing that and after a

“This (SFK program) was not developed by people in an ivory tower, this was developed by people who know the game, know what it takes to get the methods, the principle,

while she got into a repetition of looking down on the ball, picking up her penny and the tee.”

Another boy, Solomon, was already an outstanding

the foundations and the skills across to children,” Katherina

volleyball player when he joined Sticks for Kids. He assumed

explained.

that because he already was a good athlete, those skills

Those foundations and skills are essential to Katherina’s work with kids in North Tucson, Arizona. He runs a co-ed

would automatically transfer to golf.

“He couldn’t hit a ball straight if I held the club for him,”

citywide program, supporting kids before and after school

Katherina joked. “Finally, we straightened all that out and

and during the summers. His programs always run at full

he got it, and it got to the point where all of a sudden he

capacity; if he has space for 15 kids, there will be 15 kids

was helping other kids from what he had learned. This took

ready to golf and a dozen more reminding him to enroll

about two years. Now, he would play golf with me every day

them in the next class.

if we could.”

“There is something about the achievement of making

Tucson’s Sticks for Kids program serves an interesting mix

contact with the golf ball that’s just exhilarating to that age

of children; some are from affluent families and others live in

group,” he said of his charges, who range in age from six to

low-income neighborhoods and have had little exposure to

fourteen. “They come into the program initially pretty sure

extracurricular activities and organized sports. But Katherina

that they are not going to be able to do it, and they leave

believes all kids deserve great coaching and life skills

wanting to know how they can take it to the next level.”

development.

Some kids pick up golf effortlessly; for others, learning

“I tailor my teaching to each individual,” he said. “My

to golf requires tenacity, endless patience and a coach’s

teaching isn’t about their income status but about making

creativity. Katherina told the story of one young girl who

them good citizens in their community. I’m here to provide

couldn’t grasp the concept of keeping her head down.

recreation, but I use golf as character development. (Initially)

She was determined to hit the ball and watch it. No matter

the affluent kids are more extroverted and self-confident,

how much Katherina described the correct posture, his

more exposed to golf and social. The low-income kids tend

instructions didn’t connect. Finally, he decided to mix things

to be shy or need more acclimatization when they first start

up with a new prop: a roll of pennies.

the program. However, at the end of the program they are all walking out with something positive. They are no longer

on a social ladder, they are walking out with new friends, understanding of the game, confidence and diversity.”

He continued, “One of the greatest benefits of the Sticks for Kids program is from beginning to end, being able to see the increase in self-confidence. It’s like walking into a math class and starting with simple addition and leaving doing calculus. I’m talking to them about a grip the first day, and by the time they leave, they are trying to figure out if they have the right club in their hands to hit that shot.”

Of course, Katherina’s teaching goes far beyond the mechanics of golf. He takes every opportunity to prepare kids for the bigger game of life by building their confidence, self-respect, respect for others, sportsmanship, listening skills, and socialization.

That said, he never loses sight of fostering their love for the game.

Partners & Sponsors

T

he work of the GCBAA Foundation’s Sticks 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.

Friends of the Foundation Platinum Level ($100,000 or more) •

Golf Course Builders Association of America

•

Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation/Wadsworth Golf Construction Company

Gold Level ($50,000 up to $99,999) •

Caterpillar, Inc.

•

Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

•

The Toro Company and Foundation

•

United States Golf Association (USGA)

Silver Level ($10,000 up to $49,999)

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

•

Bandon Dunes

•

ACC Golf Construction

•

FedEx Services

•

Lepanto Golf Construction, Inc.

•

Stahlman England Irrigation, Inc.

•

D.H.R. Construction

•

Aqua Agronomic Solutions, Inc.

•

Finish Line Youth Foundation

•

Les Hill

•

Sun Gro Horticulture

Fleetwood Services LLC

•

Medalist Golf, Inc.

•

Syngenta

•

Duininck Golf

•

ASI Golf/Klaus Ahlers

•

•

Forward Group

•

Atlas Turf International Limited

•

Frontier Golf

•

Motor Controls Inc.

•

Terry & Karen Gwinn

•

GCSAA

•

Audubon International

•

Genesis Golf Builders, Inc.

•

Niebur Golf

•

The Pittsburgh Foundation

•

Heritage Links

•

Best Sand Corp.

•

Glase Golf, Inc.

•

Paige Electric Co., LP

•

The Turf Company

•

Hydrema U.S., Inc.

•

Better Billy Bunker

•

Golf Course Construction, Inc.

•

PGA of America

•

Thomas Turf Services, Inc.

•

ISCO Industries, LLC

•

•

Golf Course Industry Magazine

•

Prince

•

Tommy Sasser

•

JacklinGolf

Bobcat Company/Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment

•

Project Evergreen

•

Total Golf Construction, Inc.

Jacobsen, a Textron Company

Central Fiber LLC

Golf Creations

•

•

•

Course Crafters, LLC

Hartman Companies, Inc.

•

Sam Ferro (Fairmont Minerals Foundation)

•

Total Turf Golf Services, Inc.

Jim Kirchdorfer Sr. Memorial

•

•

•

•

Sandtrapper

•

TriEst Ag Group, Inc.

John Deere

Dennis Wagner

Hunter Industries

•

•

•

•

Desert Reflections, LLC

•

Keepers of the Green

•

Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.

•

United Golf, LLC

•

Dye Design International

•

Kinder Porter Scott Family Foundation

•

Shapland Golf Consultants, LLC

•

VM Golf Services

•

Eagle Golf & Landscape Products

•

Landirr Inc.

•

Smith Turf & Irrigation

•

Watertronics, Inc.

•

Ewing Irrigation

•

LASCO Fittings

•

SportZmix Solutions/Waupaca Sand & Solutions

•

McDonald & Sons, Inc.

•

Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc.

•

Ryangolf Corporation

•

Southeastern Golf, Inc.

•

Sunbelt Rentals

•

West Coast Turf

Participant Gender

Community Type Suburban - 43%

Rural - 31%

Urban - 27%

Male - 60%

Female - 40%

Participant Skill Level Organization Type Parks & Recreation - 82%

Non-Profit - 12% Beginner - 55% Golf Course - 4% Intermediate - 23% Military - 2% Advanced - 22%

2016 by the Numbers

In 2016: • 13 New Sticks for Kids programs were launched, including an organization called Watson9 that serves children and offers financial aid to families in need.

• 14 Long-standing Sticks for Kids programs received new equipment through the SFK Maintenance Grant.

• Approximately $30,000 was allocated to new and existing programs • More than 33,000 children and disabled adults participated in Sticks for Kids programs.

• Smallest program-1 participant

• Largest Program- 3,500 participants • More than $80,000 was raised during the annual GCBAA Foundation Auction, Raffle, and Stick for Kids Golf Tournament.

• All 500 tickets were sold in the annual Chuck Cloud Memorial Raffle.

• 2 University of Nebraska- Lincoln students received scholarship funding for the 2015-2016 school year through a partnership between the GCBAA Foundation and local GCBAA member Landscapes Unlimited, LLC.

What People Are Saying About Sticks for Kids “Thank you so much for this program! Our Junior Golf Camp has grown from a free morning or afternoon lesson type of activity to a full day, week long day camp with very interested young golfers. We have a better program every year thanks to your program support!”

Sue W., Oklahoma City Parks & Recreation

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide this golf equipment to our community.”

Jim K., Neenah Parks & Recreation Department

“We sincerely appreciate everything that you have given us. The children, as well as staff, enjoy working with the clubs. Golf is a sport that not everyone has access to but, your agency has made a way!”

Mark V., Aiken County Parks, Rec & Tourism

“We introduced the program to our kids this year. Many have never held or played golf before and knew very little about the game. I love that all information was provided to get us started. In the future we plan to introduce the game to as many members and community youth as we can. As our club grows I believe we will have many stories and features for you. Thank You so much for this opportunity to open a new door to the members of the Boys & Girls Club of Bay City and Matagorda County!”

Bebee M., Boys & Girls Club of Bay City and Matagorda County

“The Group Home was so excited about this opportunity over the Holiday, they took ALL 40 spots available. With this in mind, it warms my heart as I am walking down the halls at my Center and I am stopped and asked: “When are we going to golf again?”, “ Is this the right grip?”, “Mr.Mike, I REALLY love golf ”, it gives you a feeling of satisfaction that far exceeds all else. Please rest assured that YOUR PROGRAM is succeeding and thriving out here in the Southwest. Continued Success, God Bless and thank ALL of you for what you do. 2017 will afford us more opportunities, please stay in touch, much appreciated.”

Mike K., Donna R. Liggins Center

“Sticks for Kids is a great program! Because of your program, Ace Kids Golf now serves 400 youth annually. Keep up the great work. Thank you for your continued support!”

Preston P., City of Oakland Ace Kids Golf Program

“Our participants’ families really appreciate the fact that we’re able to provide the golf bags and clubs so their children can participate in golf camp. If we weren’t able to provide the equipment, many children would not be able to participate.”

Edward W., Colonel Town Rec Dept

“Thank you for helping promote Kids Golf at our course and for the equipment. It is greatly appreciated and the kids love having clubs that fit their size, weight and ability. Thank you!”

Eric K., Birch Creek Golf Course

“We love the program and have told other site directors about it. Thank you for all you do to grow the game and make golf possible for so many.”

Teresa Z., Port Orange Girls Golf

“The iPad that we received was a huge help for us… We used the video and the swing profile with the kids and it greatly improved the swings the kids were making.

This program is being implemented with a culturally diverse, socioeconomically challenged group of children in a free or reduced fee summer camp setting. For many, unless they had experience the previous year, they’ve never had any experience with golf at all besides in video games like Wii.” Darren M., Rosenberg Parks and Recreation

How You Can Help Whether you’re looking to launch a Sticks for Kids Program in your community or donate to the GCBAA Foundation, here are a few ways you can help.

T

he GCBAA Foundation knows that our success is largely dependent upon the generous donors and volunteers who donate their time, money, and resources to help our programs thrive. There are so many ways for you to get involved, whether you’re looking to launch a Sticks for Kids Program in your community, donate to the GCBAA Foundation, or just help us spread the word. For more information about Sticks for Kids or to download applications and program materials, visit www.sticksforkids.org. Or contact the GCBAA Office at (402) 476-4444 or email stephanie_bruss@gcbaa.org to find out how you can help.

Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation

Phone: (402) 476-4444

6040 S. 58th St., Ste. D

Fax: (402) 476-4489

Lincoln, NE 68516

www.sticksforkids.org www.gcbaafoundation.org