Can you remember the first time you held a golf club or maybe the first time you made contact with the golf ball? That feeling is electric and exhilarating! For many of us, this is the reason we fell in love with the game.
Now imagine what it would have been like to get that feeling in your P.E. class at school and never have to leave. That is where the CGA Golf in Schools program comes in. Since 2011, the CGA has been working with local schools to bring golf to the classroom.
Students are exposed to the game with three classroom sessions (putting, chipping, and full swing) and then attend a field trip at CommonGround Golf Course.
The CGA was in 10 different schools this year and hosted 15 field trips. Students ranged from 9-18 years old. Since the CGA fully funds this program, schools do not have to worry about the cost.
For many who attend the field trip, this is the first time they have been on a golf course. Applying what students learned in the classroom, students rotate through six stations (Driving range, chipping, putting, STEM, on-course, and fitness). When students are asked about whether or not the green is real grass, almost everyone says, “No”. They are shocked to not only find out that it is real, but then they get to cut a hole!
After everything is done and the students are walking back to the bus, you can hear the excitement they have for golf. One student even said, “Can we pay you to come back next week for more golf?” Bringing golf to more kids is payment enough!