Tools Unveiled for Parents Looking for Junior Golf Programs


In late April 2002, GOLF 20/20 announced that JuniorLinks.com has re-launched, with new content for the summer junior golf season including a searchable database of 550 of the nation's junior golf programs. These programs range from camps and tournaments to year-round programming. Program directors can continue to register programs on the Web site to add to the growing database, and kids and parents can search the database for a program that best suits their needs.

Other new content offerings on JuniorLinks.com include college scholarship information, tips for players from golf professionals and sports psychologists, as well as information on equipment. Kids will enjoy meeting the site's new mascot, Waggle, and reading about golf in "Waggle's Journal." Resources for program directors include information on fund-raising, starting programs and running tournaments, in addition to an opportunity for program directors to share "best practices" on topics such as obtaining course access, soliciting volunteers, and recruiting and retaining new players.

The GOLF 20/20 Junior Initiative, an effort to enhance the growth of the game by recognizing junior golfers as the game's future, originally launched JuniorLinks.com in November 2001. A GOLF 20/20 Junior Task Force of industry representatives serves to contribute to the site's content and the overall junior initiative's strategies.

"Through continued industry support and the participation of junior golf programs nationwide, we will be offering a very useful tool to kids, parents and those responsible for running these great programs." Said Ruffin Beckwith, Executive Director of GOLF 20/20. "The movement to get kids involved in golf usually happens at a local level, but we need to make all of that knowledge available to audiences across the country."

The GOLF 20/20 Junior Initiative has the unprecedented support of the entire golf industry. The USGA Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., continues day-to-day management of the site. "The USGA Foundation provides kids with the opportunity to learn and grow through the sport of golf. Our support of JuniorLinks is an extension of that," said USGA President Reed Mackenzie. "We need to highlight the good work that these programs are doing to reinforce the life lessons that come with playing golf, including self esteem, sportsmanship and honesty."

JuniorLinks.com has been designed and built by Anthem Solutions of Dallas, under the direction of Ruffin Beckwith and Jessica Turnwald, USGA Foundation Coordinator, Fellowship and Grants.

About GOLF 20/20

GOLF 20/20 is a World Golf Foundation initiative whose mission is to align the golf industry behind programs that will enhance the game's growth significantly over the next 20 years. Contributors include the Golf Course Superintendents Association, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, National Golf Foundation, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the United States Golf Association. For more information on the Golf 20/20 Initiatives contact Melissa Ramsey at (904) 280-4829.

About the USGA Foundation

Since 1997 the USGA Foundation has been awarding grants through its "For the Good of the Game" Grants Program in an effort to make golf more affordable and accessible. The 10-year, $50-million initiative has traditionally focused on programming for economically disadvantaged youth and individuals with disabilities, as well as the introduction of youth to the game and the golf industry through caddieing and other work-based programs. Beyond its grants program, the USGA partners with national organizations to promote facility development, girls golf, and initiatives for individuals with disabilities as well as promoting the professional development of recent college graduates in the "Fellowship in Leadership in Service" program. For more information on the USGA Foundation or JuniorLinks.com, contact the Foundation office at (719) 471-4810.