2017 GCBAA Foundation Status Report

Golf Course Builders Association of America

Foundation

2017 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

W

Tom Shapland • Foundation President

Foundation Board Mark Arrimour Total Turf Services

John Holmes

Atlas Turf Internation Limited

Jimmy Kirchdorfer ISCO Industries

Bill Kubly

Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

Kun Li

Forward Group

Rick Lohman

The Toro Company

Allan MacCurrach MacCurrach Golf

Chris Seiberling

LMC Insurance & Risk Management

Dennis Wagner Hunter Industries

Doug York

Ewing Irrigation

e would like to start 2018 by expressing our sincere appreciation for the immense amount of help that you all have provided us these past few years. The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation is continuing to thrive because of the support of three primary groups: GCBAA members, outside donors and our hard-working staff.

The financial support we receive from member organizations is obviously a key element of our strength, but we also want to take time to acknowledge the companies that allow individual employees to dedicate an enormous amount of their work time to run our Association and Foundation. We are primarily a volunteer organization and offer particular thanks to Waupaca Northwoods and Hunter Industries for facilitating the volunteer efforts of Ellen Davis and Dennis Wagner whose efforts in fundraising have been essential for many years.

Outside donors who have provided significant support to the Foundation include Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, LPGA, PGA, Project EverGreen, America’s Promise Alliance, Bandon Dunes, Audubon International and Keepers of the Green.

Our staff, led by Executive Director Justin Apel and efficiently supported by Stephanie Bruss and Samantha Huff, certainly are instrumental to our success.

Because of all of this wonderful support, the Foundation is implementing new initiatives directed at expanding our game.

In addition to supporting our existing Sticks for Kids programs and funding new ones, we have recently forged a new partnership with the LPGA Foundation. The GCBAA Foundation has entered into this partnership for many critical reasons. First, each of their programs is led by a volunteer certified LPGA teaching professional which we believe will establish the fundamental skills that help make golf fun to new players. Second, their volunteer support staff at each location is thoroughly vetted to make certain the girls learn in a safe environment. Lastly, the LPGA Foundation has the structure and support staff necessary to monitor the programs in terms of current participants and their ongoing commitment to playing the game.

Your GCBAA Foundation is also continuing to explore ways to extend the reach of Sticks for Kids into public schools.

Whether it is through physical education programs or by supporting competitive teams, we feel there is a great opportunity to develop more lifetime players. Additional information will be provided regarding this initiative in subsequent newsletters.

We are delighted that you have taken an interest in us. To give you more of an in depth look of our work this past year, we’ve included an overview of our activities, fundraising, auctions and meetings.

The GCBAA Foundation will continue to succeed because of your big-heartedness and contributions.

Tom Shapland Foundation President

438,718

Youth Participants in Sticks for Kids since 2007.

Programs range from 1 to 14,000 junior golfers Per Year.

$566,000 Total GCBAA Foundation Support for new and existing Sticks for Kids programs since 2007.

175

Active Sticks for Kids Programs throughout the United States in 2017.

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 is expanding its Sticks for Kids program by providing equipment and support to 75 new LPGA*USGA Girls Golf locations in 2018. The partnership will offer proper instruction from certified teachers (PGA or LPGA) 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. Maintenance grants allow established and active Sticks for Kids programs the opportunity to apply for replacement or additional equipment. Programs that have achieved high participation and usage rates will be given priority consideration, though all active programs will be eligible to apply in 2018.

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 175 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 Dave Malone Brings Sticks for Kids to South Lincoln, Nebraska

H

ow does one introduce a toddler to the game

movement, while the Learn to Play works on specific golf

their parents. Many of his junior golfers have already

of golf to offer maximum impact in the future?

skills. Learn to Compete and Train to Excel offer coaching

signed up for additional training. Not only that, but

Easy, take them to PGA Master Golf Professional Dave

and practice skills to enhance the young golfer’s game.

the ability to maintain children’s interest has been an

Malone at the Junior Golf League at Pine Lake Golf &

encouraging sign. It shows that Dave and his team

Tennis Club in Lincoln, NE.

was excited to hear about the free junior clubs that were

are taking the proper steps to keep the junior golfers

After a conversation with GCBAA Program & Planning

Andrea Wilkins, whose son Nolan is an Active Starter

provided to her son through the Sticks for Kids program.

engaged. “These junior golfers weren’t here for one

Manager, Samantha Huff and PGA Professional Jeff

“The Sticks for Kids program made it possible for our son

session, they wanted more. They enjoyed being out on

Porter, Dave decided to apply for a 2017 Sticks for Kids

to join the Junior Golf League at Pine Lake Golf.”

the course, practicing and perfecting their skills. Most

grant. Dave’s Sticks for Kids program includes golfers

importantly, they are having fun!”

between the ages of three and 17. With 35 years of

other sports. He is confident that playing other sports

experience teaching junior golfers, Dave is extraordinarily

will help kids improve their golf skills, saying “Many of

that the equipment being provided to each program is

dedicated to our youth and offers tried and true coaching

the fundamental movements used in sports like soccer,

helping educate children on the rules of golf, life values

techniques, not to mention a great deal of patience

baseball, swimming and the stamina carry over to golf

and environmental stewardship. With programs such

Dave’s Sticks for Kids program has four phases of

Dave also encourages participants to get involved in

The Sticks for Kids program prides itself on knowing

and will benefit them in the long run.”

as the Junior Golf League, junior golfers will continue to

development that targets each junior golfer: Active Start,

learn patience, team building and leadership skills.

Learn to Play, Learn to Compete and Train to Excel. The

summer Sticks for Kids programs in 2017, Dave has seen

Active Start helps junior golfers with the fundamentals of

many positive changes amongst the junior golfers and

After successfully running both the spring and

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

• Eagle Golf & Landscape Products

• Lepanto Golf Construction, Inc.

• D.H.R. Construction

• Aqua Agronomic Solutions, Inc.

• FedEx Services

• Les Hill

• Duininck Golf

• ASI Golf/Klaus Ahlers

• Finish Line Youth Foundation

• LMC Insurance & Risk Management

• Ewing Irrigation

• Atlas Turf International Limited

• Fleetwood Services LLC

• Medalist Golf, Inc.

• Forward Group

• Audubon International

• Genesis Golf Builders, Inc.

• Motor Controls Inc.

• Frontier Golf

• Best Sand Corp.

• Glase Golf, Inc.

• Niebur Golf

• GCSAA

• Better Billy Bunker

• Golf Course Construction, Inc.

• Paige Electric Co., LP

• Heritage Links

• Bobcat Company/Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment

• Golf Course Industry Magazine

• PGA of America

• Golf Creations

• Prince

• Bridge Builders USA Inc.

• Hartman Companies, Inc.

• Profile Products, LLC

• Capillary Concrete

• Hunter Industries

• Project Evergreen

• Central Fiber LLC

• Keepers of the Green

• Sam Ferro (Fairmont Minerals Foundation)

• Course Crafters, LLC

• Kinder Porter Scott Family Foundation

• Sandtrapper

• Dennis Wagner

• Landirr Inc.

• Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.

• Desert Reflections, LLC

• LASCO Fittings

• Smith Turf & Irrigation

• Hydrema U.S., Inc. • ISCO Industries, LLC • JacklinGolf • Jacobsen, a Textron Company • Jim Kirchdorfer Sr. Memorial • John Deere Landscapes • McDonald & Sons, Inc. • Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc. • Ryangolf Corporation • Shapland Golf Consultants, LLC • Southeastern Golf, Inc. • Sunbelt Rentals • Total Turf Golf Services, Inc. • West Coast Turf

• Dye Design International

• SportZmix Solutions/ Waupaca Sand & Solutions • Stahlman England Irrigation, Inc. • Sun Gro Horticulture • Syngenta • Terry & Karen Gwinn • The Pittsburgh Foundation • The Turf Company • Thomas Turf Services, Inc. • Tommy Sasser • Total Golf Construction, Inc. • Total Turf Golf Services, Inc. • TriEst Ag Group, Inc. • United Golf, LLC • VM Golf Services • Watertronics, Inc.

Participant Gender

Community Type Suburban - 44%

Rural - 27%

Urban - 29%

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%

2017 by the Numbers

In 2017: • 16 New Sticks for Kids programs were launched, including an organization called Watson9 that serves children and offers financial aid to families in need • 12 Long-standing Sticks for Kids programs received new equipment through the SFK Maintenance Grant

• Approximately $24,000 was allocated to new and existing programs • More than 34,000 children and disabled adults participated in Sticks for Kids programs • Smallest Program (5) participants

• Largest Program 6,000 participants • More than $100,000 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

What People Are Saying About Sticks for Kids “We have a wonderful group of teachers and volunteers who all volunteer their time. That along with the Sticks for Kids clubs have allowed us to outreach into the community and welcome girls who are new to the game without a huge investment on the families part. We are able to keep costs way down for the families.”

Allie B., LPGA*USGA Girls Golf “Thank you! These clubs have made it so much easier and affordable for our program participants to receive a quality golf introduction program to the youth of our community.”

Brad B., Vinton Parks and Recreation “The program continues to remain popular and successful. Parents continue to call throughout the year inquiring about the program. Volunteers continue to come back to help the program each year. Our program is free so there is no financial barrier for participation. The program challenges children to try something new or expand what they know. Children get outside and are active and engaged during the program. Also, quite a few of the participants have had their guardians purchase clubs after trying out ones we provide.”

Rebecca M., City of Pittsfield Parks and Recreation “We are extremely grateful to the Sticks for Kids program for providing us with sets of clubs for use in our First Tee programs.

We have been able to serve hundreds of underserved populations by providing them with equipment that they cannot otherwise obtain or afford!”

Tara K., The First Tee of Monoc “We have enjoyed bringing the Sticks for Kids program to kids here in the Roseburg area. Countless kids have participated over the past 8 years. Thank you for this opportunity!”

Velori L., City of Roseburg Park and Recreation “KEEP ON KEEPIN ON! You are ONE of America’s Greatest Programs!”

Michael K., Tucson Parks and Recreation

“You are a HUGE part of helping us help the kids!!!! Thanks” Stan B., Ball Golf “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the Sticks for kids Program! We have definitely grown the game of golf together!”

Sherrie P., Palm Beach Gardens “Giving junior golfers exposure to the game remains our primary goal. We now have a middle school golf team paid for by the Russ Hiser Foundation. The feeder program for this team is the Forest Hills junior golf program aided by Sticks for Kids.”

Keith S., Forest Hills Golf “This community is very grateful to have golf clubs to loan for families that cannot afford them. Thank you!”

Joseph C., Lewiston Parks and Recreation

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Phone: (402) 476-4444 Fax: (402) 476-4489 www.gcbaa.org/Foundation