Providing Indiana’s youth with affordable golf opportunities has been a mission of the Indiana Golf Foundation since its inception in 1994. That mission will be carried out this year with the launching of a pilot Kids on Course program in central Indiana. “Kids learn values inherent in golf by playing the game. As the Kids on Course initiative is being rolled out throughout the nation, we are excited to partner with the Indiana Golf Association to allow the kids of Indiana to have affordable golf course access opportunities.” said Judy Bell, Consulting Director of the United States Golf Association Grants and Fellowship department.

The USGA and the National Golf Course Owners Association united in 2000 to develop the Kids on Course program with the goal of creating affordable golf course access opportunities to those in need. “Kids from all backgrounds will have affordable and accessible opportunities to play the game,” said Steve Czarnecki, Assistant Director of USGA Grants and Fellowship.

The IGA is implementing this new program in the Indianapolis metro area utilizing Indianapolis City Golf Courses, with hopes to expand in the future. Participating courses include South Grove Golf Course, Sahm Golf Course, Eagle Creek Golf Course, Douglass Golf Course, Thatcher Golf Course, Sarah Shank Golf Course, Coffin Golf Course, Smock Golf Course and Pleasant Run Golf Course.

Juniors who are affiliated with a junior golf program at one of these courses and in need of financial assistance will be eligible to participate. Membership into the Kids on Course program will also be promoted to junior golfers who have attended the Gongaware Junior Golf Academy at the IGF or who are members of the Indianapolis Junior Golf Tour administered by the Indianapolis Junior Golf Foundation.

In order to participate, the players must be course ready, which the USGA defines as having a basic golf swing, being able to advance the ball toward the hole and knowing how to keep score. Other criteria to determine if a player is course ready is if they can play without delay, know how to treat the course and fellow players, demonstrate awareness of the Rules of Golf and wear proper golf attire.

Once it is established that a junior golfer is eligible, PGA Professionals at participating courses and the IGA will enroll him or her in the program. They will have access to any participating course in Indianapolis for a discounted rate. “Kids On Course is an opportunity for kids to play the game of golf for $1 per round. We applaud the numerous courses and junior golf programs that have joined this proactive effort,” said Czarnecki.

This initiative of partnering with a state or regional golf association is intended to reach a greater number of young golfers than individual courses participating in the program can on their own. “The USGA is pleased to join the IGA with the hope that together we can form a model to be used in other communities,” stated Bell.

More information on this initiative can be found online at www.KidsOnCourse.com.