For anyone who has played youth sports, our common connecting point isn’t tied to the wins and losses, or even the trophies or accolades, but rather the lifelong lessons and friendships we gain participating in the sport of golf. The Colorado Golf Foundation was created to provide opportunities for youth to learn these life skills and build their character through the game of golf.
One major program the Colorado Golf Foundation supports is Youth on Course. This program provides kids with affordable and accessible golf across Colorado. Currently, 8,113 junior members enjoy access to play at any of the 45 partnering courses throughout Colorado for $5 or less. To date, these juniors have completed over 20,000 rounds of golf in 2024: the future of the game is clearly brighter than ever! If you believe in the idea that all kids should have access to affordable golf, this fall, the Foundation has two unique ways for CGA members to support this program.
September 4, 2024, is the inaugural Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, a collaborative effort between the Aspen Institute Project Play and Daniels Fund. Online donations begin counting towards the giving event totals on September 4 until the event ends on September 30.
Led by the Daniels Fund, Weld Trust, Denver Broncos Foundation, Alpine Bank, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Family Foundation, and other sponsors, there will be a dollar-for-dollar match to all online donations starting September 4, 2024 exceeding $500,000!
The Colorado Golf Association is proud to be a part of this program and we are asking CGA members to “Support Our State of Play”. All donations received via the CGA’s campaign on the Colorado Gives website will support Colorado Youth on Course. Together we can level the playing field to make youth golf affordable for every child in Colorado.
CLICK HERE To make a qualifying matching donation to the CGA’s Colorado Youth on Course.
For more information about this initiative, please click here or contact the Colorado Golf Foundation Executive Director, Ryan Smith, at rsmith@coloradogolf.org.
HUNDRED HOLE HIKE
On September 23, CommonGround Golf Course, the home of the CGA, will host dedicated golfers as they take on the challenge of playing 100 holes in a single day to support Youth on Course. This marathon of endurance and passion highlights each participant’s commitment to support the next generation of players to get out and enjoy this wonderful game.
Learn about one of our returning golfers, Evan Hasara and why he believes in the need to make the game accessible to young enthusiasts everywhere.
Name: Evan Hasara
Who got you into the game of golf as a junior/youth golfer? My dad
Where did you play your youth golf? I grew up in the Greater Philadelphia Area which is home to some historically significant courses. I was fortunate to play several fantastic Golden Age courses during my time on the high school golf team and my summer job caddying. But I also played plenty of local public courses in the area with my regular foursome, which included my dad, uncle and cousin.
Getting on a golf course is a daunting task! While skillset isn't a prerequisite, greens fees certainly are! Growing up, my dad and uncle were always scouring the area for the best rates. We played A LOT of twilight rounds when the price went down, which is probably why that's my favorite time of day to play now! I wish there was a resource like this that would have helped from a financial perspective when I was young. I think it could've helped me play on courses that weren't attainable to me due to cost.
As a member of YOC through the CGA, that financial barrier to great golf is practically lifted. There isn't much you can get for $5 or less these days, let alone 18 holes of golf! With costs that low, more rounds can be played and create players of a lifetime sport. It gets more kids outside and instills character building. Carrying a bag full of clubs is hard work! As a kid, it taught me to celebrate the little wins (making a putt takes a lot of concentration, which is hard to muster up when you're young!) and to always do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Things I carry with me to this day.
CLICK HERE To participate in the 100 Hole Hike or to learn more about how YOU can get involved!