Golf in Colorado continues to grow stronger each year thanks to organizations that open new doors for young people. Whether it’s competing for the first time or discovering the science and stewardship behind the course itself, two of our Colorado Golf Association grant partners, Gold Crown Foundation and First Green, embody that mission by making golf more accessible and educational by creating opportunities for the next generation of young people.
Since 1999, Gold Crown Foundation’s golf program has helped fill a gap in youth sports by giving more kids the chance to play. In 2025 alone, their 504 unique participants from 92 schools played 1,406 rounds at 12 host courses. Their tournaments allow middle and high school golfers to gain experience in a real tournament setting while still focusing on learning, growth, and connection.
The Junior Varsity tournaments have become especially popular, offering a competitive but friendly atmosphere where players can sharpen their game and build lasting friendships.
Support from the Colorado Golf Association keeps entry fees affordable and provides financial assistance to those in need. As the team at Gold Crown proudly says, their mission is to “prepare kids for the game of life,” and through golf, they are doing just that.
The First Green program gives students a new way to see golf, blending science, sustainability, and career exploration. Recently, I attended an event hosted by City Park Nine in Fort Collins, where their field trip transformed the golf course into an outdoor classroom. More than 80 students from Rocky Mountain High School rotated through hands-on learning stations with topics ranging from soil science, pollinators, irrigation systems, and golf course machinery, connecting STEM concepts with real-world applications.
Jordan Diede, host Superintendent at City Park Nine, shared:
“The First Green program gives our golf course the opportunity to showcase just how special the golf industry is to our community. In my three years of hosting this event, I have seen students come out of their shells as they engage with the hands-on, one-of-a-kind experience of golf course maintenance.”
Led by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and supported by the Colorado Golf Association, First Green shows that golf is more than a sport; it is a living classroom of science, ecology, and teamwork. Many students leave these events inspired by the career paths available in the golf industry, from agronomy to engineering.
Both Gold Crown Foundation and First Green show what happens when community partners work together to make golf accessible, educational, and exciting. Whether through tournament play or STEM discovery, these programs prove that golf can be a pathway to confidence, learning, and lifelong opportunity.
The Colorado Golf Association is proud to support both organizations as they inspire the next generation on the course, in the classroom, and beyond.
