The Colorado Golf Association’s mission to “create opportunities for all” shines brightest through its youth initiatives. From introducing golf to fourth graders in schools to mentoring elite junior athletes on the national stage, the CGA’s youth programs connect thousands of kids each year to the game—and to values that last a lifetime.
For over 12 years, the CGA’s Golf In Schools program has introduced the game to students across Aurora, Denver, and Douglas County. Each year, more than 1,400 students at 14 schools learn putting, chipping, and full-swing fundamentals right in their gymnasiums—culminating with an expense free field trip to CommonGround Golf Course to experience real on-course play.
“At the end of the day, we hope some students become lifelong golfers—but we’re satisfied knowing they all gain a new respect for an old game.”
At the top of the state’s development pathway is Team Colorado, the state’s elite junior squad under the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). The team is compromised of the top 16 (8 girls and 8 boys) in the state. The focus of this program is to create a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes in Colorado to compete at the highest levels of the game. Through year-round coaching, performance training, team bonding events, and elite competition opportunities these juniors embody the next generation of Colorado golf.
The CGA is proud to partner with organizations that make golf accessible to everyone:
ARCH Children’s Hospital – Through the Adaptive Recreation for Kids (ARCH) program, monthly clinics at Legacy Ridge Golf Course and Cherokee Ridge Golf Course empower kids and teens with physical disabilities to learn, play, and grow through golf.
Special Olympics Colorado – The CGA supports Special Olympics programs at both CommonGround and Legacy Ridge, where athletes build skills, confidence, and friendships through the game.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) – In partnership for over five years, the CGA hosts Saturday clinics that serve 50+ kids and mentors. The clinics offer lessons from PGA professionals, games, crafts, lunch, raffles, and prizes—all at no cost to participants.
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf at CommonGround provides a fun, girl-friendly learning environment for ages 6–14, offering two sessions each year taught by LPGA and PGA professionals. With an emphasis on confidence, connection, and fun, these camps are a favorite summer highlight.
McAuliffe International Middle School Golf Club welcomes 32 students annually, 16 boys in the fall and 16 girls in the spring. This after school program runs for six weeks each season at CommonGround Golf Course. The sessions are designed to build upon themselves where the athletes work their way up to competitive play in the latter sessions.
With 11,182 members across Colorado and 35,926 rounds played this year alone, Youth on Course continues to open doors for kids to play affordable golf for $5 or less at 42 participating courses statewide.Leading the way were:
Collindale Golf Course – 3,907 rounds
West Woods Golf Course – 2,513 rounds
Southridge Golf Course – 2,274 rounds
In 2026, the CGA aims to onboard eight new courses, expanding affordable access even further across the state.
Through the Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy and the Broadmoor Caddie & Leadership Academy, the CGA continues to teach responsibility, leadership, and professionalism through golf and caddying.
With four Solich chapters—at CommonGround, Fort Collins CC, Meridian GC, and Grand Junction’s Tiara Rado GC and Bookcliff CC—and the Broadmoor Academy in Colorado Springs, these programs prepare teens for success both on and off the course while creating pathways toward college scholarships and employment.
Beyond direct programs, the CGA proudly supports partners who share the mission of youth development through golf:
First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains: Expands P.E. programs, Read ‘n Swing literacy lessons, and free on-course experiences for Title 1 schools.
First Tee – Southern Colorado: Provides scholarships, staff training, and facility improvements at Valley Hi Golf Course for underserved youth.
First Tee – Four Corners: Uses new SNAG equipment, mentorship events, and girls’ golf days to engage young golfers across the Western Slope.
First Tee – Green Valley Ranch: Offers nearly 200 complimentary caddie loops, afterschool and in-school golf programming for the GVR-Montbello community.
Gold Crown Foundation: Expands youth access through three seasons of affordable play for 6th–12th graders across eight tournament series.
First Green (GCSAA): Turns golf courses into living classrooms for hands-on STEM learning, teaching turf science, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Colorado PGA Section: Keeps the Junior Pathway Tours affordable by funding operational costs, ensuring juniors can compete without raising fees.
Pikes Peak Linkers: Provides community-based opportunities and mentorship through local youth golf initiatives.
Through these programs and partnerships, the Colorado Golf Association is shaping not just the next generation of golfers—but the next generation of leaders, teammates, and lifelong learners. Whether it’s a fourth grader’s first putt, a caddie’s first loop, or a Team Colorado athlete’s first national event, the CGA continues to prove that golf is more than a game—it’s a gateway to opportunity.
