2015 Status Report

Golf Course Builders Association of America

FoundationDix Hills Park Junior Golf ProgramDix Hills, NY

The GCBAA Foundation is the charitable arm of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), a non-profit trade association of the world’s foremost golf course builders and leading suppliers in the golf course industry. The GCBAA Foundation is committed to providing youth with the tools they need to explore the game of golf and potential careers in the golf industry. In 1997, the GCBAA Foundation launched Sticks for Kids, a junior golf outreach program that provides clubs, bags, teaching materials, and marketing materials to participants. Children ages 5-18 are taught the fundamentals of the game, as well as life lessons such as etiquette, integrity, sportsmanship, safety, and respect for themselves and others.

Who We Are

Superintendent Chuck Daughtry and GCBAA Charter and Certified Builder member Scott Veazey meet with GCBAA Executive Director Justin Apel to show the grow-in progress on the recent renovation and construction project at Spring Hill Country Club in Tifton, GA

The GCBAA Foundation has developed the following goals:

• Develop and maintain the Sticks for Kids Program to introduce golf to children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the game.

• Fund a scholarship program to encourage University students to pursue careers in a green industry, such as the golf industry. GCBAA members and others can increase donations in the form of matching scholarships.

• Support other programs and organizations that benefit both society and the growth of the golf industry.

What We Do

A s we look back on 2015, there is much to be excited about. I’ve always believed the state of the GCBAA Foundation is a reflection of the strength of the Golf Course Builders Association and the industry as a whole. This year, the GCBAA Foundation and Sticks for Kids

Program impacted the lives of more than 52,000 children and disabled adults in the United States and this was all made possible by the generous donors, hardworking volunteers, and dedicated staff who continue to go above and beyond to ensure success.

In these pages, you will find a lot of numbers, and while those numbers are good and moving in the direction we want to see them move in, they only give you a small glimpse of what our Foundation is all about. Those numbers are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. If you want to know what the GCBAA Foundation and Sticks for Kids Program is really about, you’ll need to dig a little deeper and read the success stories from our programs in communities across the country, or listen to the testimonials from the parents and guardians who have watched their children blossom and grow after they were given the opportunity to pick up a golf club for the very first time.

As the SFK Program continues to grow and thrive, we’ve begun to ask ourselves–is there more we can do? Can we reach more children? Support more communities? What else can we do to help grow the game? The success of our program is due in large part to the support and generosity of our members who continue to invest in the Foundation year after year. Supporting the Foundation is easy. You can donate or bid on a raffle or auction item. You can participate in the annual SFK Golf Outing. You can buy a ticket or help sell tickets for the Harley raffle at our Winter Meeting. You can make a monetary donation. Or you can just help us spread the word. The opportunities are endless.

As we look toward 2016, we do so with great hope for the future and with even loftier goals. It’s hard for me to believe that I have already held the office of Foundation President for four years, and while I have enjoyed every moment of my years of service, I also feel it is time for me to hand off the baton to let the next capable person keep us going with a fresh set of eyes and a mind filled with ideas. I’ve always believed that one person should never stay in one place or hold one position for too long. Change is inevitable. Change is good. Change is what keeps us moving forward in spite of anything trying to hold us back.

Please help me welcome Tom Shapland as the new Foundation President. Tom has been an active member of the GCBAA and has served on the Foundation Board for a number of years, and he is ready to jump in and continue to build on all this great momentum. I have no doubt that we will continue to see some very exciting things happening in our Foundation under Tom’s leadership, and I look forward to supporting him and the Foundation for years to come.

Thank you all for your unparalleled support. Our Foundation is what it is today because of you.

Rick LohmanFoundation President

Where We've BeenA message from Foundation President, Rick Lohman

Foundation BoardRick Lohman, President

The Toro Company

Dennis Wagner, Secretary/TreasurerHunter Industries

Mark ArrimourTotal Turf Golf Services

Joe DiRienzoPaige Electriic Co., LLP

Christine FaulksFaulks Bros. Construction

Bill KublyLandscapes Unlimited, LLC

Kun LiForward Group

Ron StepanekCommunity Golf Services

Tom ShaplandShapland Golf Consultants, LLC

412,394Youth participants in Sticks For Kids since 2007. Programs range from 1 to 14,000 participants per year.

$542,000Total GCBAA Foundation support for new and existing SFK programs since 2007.

308There were 308 SFK Programs throughout the United States in 2015.

20There were 20 existing SFK Programs that received new equipment in 2015 through the GCBAA Foundation Maintenance Grant.

Where We Are GoingSticks for Kids is a unique program that does not require participants to follow a one-size fits-all schedule or curriculum.

Instead, the GCBAA Foundation encourages programs to use the equipment in a way that works best for their communities and the children they serve. Current SFK Programs range from small, week-long summer camps with less than 20 participants to year-round First Tee Programs that see thousands of participants each year.

All we ask is that programs take good care of the equipment, make the clubs available to children at no charge, and report back to us with information about the program and photos of participants in action so we can share the success stories and ensure the success of Sticks for Kids long into the future.

Right now, there are 308 active Sticks for Kids programs in the United States, and that number is growing. In addition, the GCBAA Foundation provides clubs to a dozen First Tee programs, as well as helping to promote several allied junior golf programs such as the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, PGA Junior League, and Drive, Chip, and Putt.

Working together, we can grow the game.

Looking forward, the GCBAA Foundation is committed to ensuring the ongoing success of the Sticks for Kids Program, as well as helping cultivate the next generation of junior golfers. Golf is not just a passing fad–it is a game and a lifestyle that can teach children the importance of fitness, environmental stewardship, honesty, integrity, and etiquette. The lessons they learn today are lessons that can shape the rest of their lives.

The GCBAA Foundation will continue to grow the Sticks for Kids Program by allocating funding to new programs that qualify and by helping successful, long-standing programs continue to thrive by providing them with new equipment through the Sticks for Kids Maintenance Grant.

The GCBAA Foundation also plans to begin exploring options to launch a new Scholarship and Internship Program that will benefit both university students and GCBAA member companies by creating a database and internship registry to help transition university students into the fields of golf course construction and irrigation.

The future is looking very bright! Are you on board?

2016 and Beyond

S ince 1998, the Ace Kids Golf Program has been keeping kids in northern California off the streets and on the course. Established to introduce at-risk, inner city youth in the Oakland area

to the game of golf, the City of Oakland Ace Kids Golf Program serves 400 youth annually.

In 2008, Ace Kids Golf was approved for a Sticks for Kids Program, and the results were immediate and exciting.

“That original grant helped grow the Ace Kids program from 100 to almost 400 participants annually,” said Preston Pinkney, Program Director. Since then, Ace Kids Golf has continued to grow and thrive. The program conducts summer golf clinics, annual field trips, an Ace Kids Girls in Golf Program, and Life Skills through Golf with Camp Sweeney Juvenile Detention Center (a program helping incarcerated young men learn life skills through golf ). In 2014, Ace Kids partnered with Marilyn King to teach Olympian Thinking and the JFK University LEAP program to teach youth sports psychology. Ace Kids Golf assisted with the expansion of the Oakland Athletic League High School

Girls Golf League, and received an iPad Air loaded with educational golf-related apps and teaching materials from the GCBAA Foundation’s USGA/Chevron Eagles for Education Program.

This year, Ace Kids Golf took 35 children ages 6-18 to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am practice round. They also partnered with Josh Johnson of the San Francisco 49ers and Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks and their Fam 1st Family Foundation to host a golf clinic for 16 young men from McCymond’s High School in Oakland. “This was their first experience with the game of golf,” said Pinkney. “We gave them a tour of the facility, discussed the rules and etiquette of the game, and taught them putting, chipping, and of course their favorite, the driving range.”

To help replace their aging equipment and continue to expand their program, Ace Kids Golf was approved for a Sticks for Kids Maintenance Grant in 2015. “Our kids were so excited to open up the boxes and take the plastic off the new clubs,” said Pinkney. “They show a new appreciation for the equipment. They try hard not to scratch the clubs and wash them after every use to keep them shining. Without a great program like Sticks for Kids, our youth would not have an opportunity to be exposed to this great game of golf and its values. Thank you so much for your support the past eight years to help us bring golf and its values to the Oakland youth.”

Program Profile - Ace Kids Golf

The work of the GCBAA Foundation’s Sticks for Kids Program would not

be possible without the dedicated staff, loyal members, and generous sponsors who work hard to make it all happen. We would like to thank the following organizations, companies, and individuals for their generosity and continued support.

Partners & Sponsors

Platinum Level ($100,000 or more)• Golf Course Builders Association of America

• Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation/Wadsworth Golf Construction Company

Friends of the Foundation

Gold Level ($50,000 up to $99,999)• Caterpillar, Inc.

• Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

• The Toro Company and Foundation

• United States Golf Association (USGA)

Silver Level ($10,000 up to $49,999)• Bandon Dunes

• D.H.R. Construction, Inc.

• Duininck Golf

• Forward Group

• GCSAA

• Heritage Links

• Hydrema U.S., Inc.

• ISCO Industries, LLC

• JacklinGolf

• Jacobsen, a Textron Company

• Jim Kirchdorfer Sr. Memorial

• John Deere Landscapes

• McDonald & Sons, Inc.

• Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc.

• RyanGolf Corporation

• Southeastern Golf, Inc.

• Sunbelt Rentals

• West Coast Turf

Bronze Level ($1,000 up to $9,999)• ACC Golf Construction

• Aqua Agronomic Solutions, Inc.

• ASI Golf/Klaus Ahlers

• Aspen Corporation

• Atlas Turf International Limited

• Audubon International

• Best Sand Corp.

• Better Billy Bunker

• Bobcat Company/Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment

• Central Fiber LLC

• Course Crafters, LLC

• Dennis Wagner

• Desert Reflections, LLC

• Dye Design International

• Eagle Golf & Landscape Products

• Ewing Irrigation

• FedEx Services

• Finish Line Youth Foundation

• Fleetwood Services LLC

• Frontier Golf

• Genesis Golf Builders, Inc.

• Glase Golf, Inc.

• Golf Course Construction, Inc.

• Golf Course Industry Magazine

• Golf Creations

• Hartman Companies, Inc.

• Hunter Industries

• Keepers of the Green

• Kinder Porter Scott Family Foundation

• Landirr Inc.

• LASCO Fittings, Inc.

• Lepanto Golf Construction, Inc.

• Les Hill

• Medalist Golf, Inc.

• Motor Controls Inc.

• Niebur Golf

• Paige Electric Co., LP

• PGA of America

• Prince

• Project Evergreen

• Sam Ferro (Fairmont Minerals Foundation)

• Sandtrapper

• Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.

• Shapland Golf Consultants, LLC

• Smith Turf & Irrigation

• SportZmix Solutions/Waupaca Sand & Solutions

• Stahlman England Irrigation, Inc.

• Sun Gro Horticulture

• Syngenta

• Terry & Karen Gwinn

• The Pittsburgh Foundation

• The Turf Company

• Thomas Turf Services, Inc.

• Tommy Sasser

• Total Golf Construction Inc.

• Total Turf Golf Services, Inc.

• TriEst Ag Group, Inc.

• United Golf, LLC

• VM Golf Services

• Watertronics, Inc.

Community TypeSuburban - 45%

Rural - 30 %

Urban - 25%

Parks & Recreation - 79%

Non-Profit - 10%

Golf Course - 6%

Civic - 3%

Military - 2%

School <1%

Organization Type

Participant Gender

Male - 60% Female - 40%

Participant Skill Level

Beginner - 55%

Intermediate - 23%

Advanced - 22%

2015 by the NumbersIn 2015:

• 10 new SFK Programs were launched, including partnerships with the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, the Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro, and a non-profit program called RevelationGolf which serves at-risk youth, veterans, military children, cancer survivors, and people with disabilities.

• 20 long-standing SFK Programs received new equipment through the SFK Maintenance Grant.

• Approximately $27,000 was allocated to new and existing programs.

• More than 52,000 children and disabled adults participated in SFK Programs.

• Smallest program - 1 participant • Largest program - 14,000 participants

• More than $60,000 was raised during the annual GCBAA Foundation Auction, Raffle, and SFK Golf tournament.

• A record 467 of 500 tickets were sold in the annual Chuck Cloud Memorial Raffle.

• 2 University of Nebraska - Lincoln students received scholarship funding for the 2014-2015 school year through a partnership between the GCBAA Foundation and local GCBAA member Landscapes Unlimited, LLC

What People Are Saying About Sticks for Kids“I cannot even start to express what your program did for Nicolette. She was in a place where she was not being judged for being different. Even bigger than that, she felt a sense of achievement. She carried her trophy around and just kept saying, ‘This is my first trophy. I can’t believe it.’ She has been struggling in school. She’s struggling to make friends. I feel like right now she struggles more than not. This gave her something to feel good about. I will be forever grateful to you for giving that to her.” -Kimberly Y., Middle Atlantic Blind Golf Association

“This program makes all the children realize they can play golf, not just the wealthy. We are a poor community with about 80% of our children on free lunches. With us being able to provide the clubs, all are eligible to play.” -Nancy P., Jeannette Recreation Commission

“A great program for our municipal facility!” -Bill K., City of Orange Beach Parks & Recreation

“All kids seemed to enjoy the program, and many wanted to do more!” -Jennifer B., Columbus Recreation & Parks

“Friendships were created that were not there prior to the program. My class is very strict when it comes to safety and paying attention. The kids understood and were very attentive. Great program! Keep up all your hard work!” -Keith S., La Crosse Park & Recreation Department

“Sticks for Kids gives an opportunity to kids who may not have had a chance in the past to try golfing. Most of the kids who participate in the program stay in the program because they like the sport. Thank you for giving the kids in the Merrill area the chance to learn the game of golf!” -Dawn S., City of Watsonville Police Activities League

“Giving the youth an opportunity to participate in a sport that is not a mainstream sport in our area is great. The kids were given an opportunity that otherwise would not have been there for them. Thank you!” -Coresta S., New Boston Recreation

“Golf has proven to be a very calming sport for the kids. It helps settle them. Thank you!” -Angela S., City of Rowlett Parks & Recreation Department

“A good introduction to the game of golf, not just skill, but etiquette and rules as well.” -Michael S., New Boston Recreation

“I believe this program brought not only an awareness of the game of golf for our youth, but it also got them outside moving instead of indoors playing video games. Their attitudes and esteem grew throughout the entire year.” -Lindsey H., Boys & Girls Club of Chelsea Inc.

“This program allowed those kids who did not have clubs a chance to learn the game without investing money into it. I believe this definitely has a positive impact, especially for those who are less fortunate and cannot afford the expense. Thank you for the opportunity to offer the program. This is very beneficial to our community and kids that participate. Parents greatly appreciate the fact that we have clubs available. Thanks again!” -Ross N., Redwood Falls City Recreation Department

“It is very important for our facility (county-owned) to offer these programs. Golfers always comment on how nice it is to see us promoting the game and junior golf. Thank you for your support over the years!” -Orist W., Pitman Golf Course

“Many of the girls coming to our program were new or beginner golfers who did not own clubs, so Sticks for Kids enabled us to open our doors to outside groups and get more girls and boys introduced to the game. Thank you so much for the work you do! This grant allowed us the ability to provide access to golf equipment for not only the girls in our local program, but to many other youth organizations within our community.” -Allie B., Port Orange Girls Golf Program

“Our program is a joint venture between the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, Sticks for Kids, and the Michigan Women’s Golf Association. Without the contributions that all provide, this program could not exist. Thank you!” -Barbara P., Michigan Women’s Golf Association

“Part of the training for our students is about taking care of the equipment and how to clean, count, and arrange the clubs prior to leaving the facility. None of the kids had ever played golf before, so it was a total learning experience.” -Bob H., Thomson-McDuffie Recreation & Leisure Services

“Participants learned social skills as well as the basic fundamentals of golf. Thank you for having this program so more children can learn the game and be more active!” -Rick S., Roseville Parks & Recreation

“Our program keeps children’s interest and makes them want to keep coming back. Quite a few participants have gone on to purchase clubs. We continue to be amazed at the popularity of the program. Because our program is free, there is no financial barrier and we fill up year after year with our limit of 100 children. The program challenges children to try something new and expand what they know. The children love to get outside and they are active and engaged. Thank you so much!” -Becky M., Pittsfield Parks & Recreation Department

“Participants were able to make new friends and play together in competition and as a team. They learned respect for others as well as respect for the course.” -Timothy A., City of Mentor, Black Brook Golf Course

“Sticks for Kids allowed us to put proper equipment in the hands of those trying to develop a love for the game of golf. Great program! Thank you!” -Erik S., Logan River Golf Course

“Thank you again! Sticks for Kids is such a great opportunity for kids to get involved in something special and meaningful.” -Jerod E., Summers Middle School

“Thank you for your continued support and assistance to the City of Cerritos and the youth of our community. We are growing the game, one kid at a time.” -Ernest V., City of Cerritos

Whether you’re looking to launch a Sticks for Kids Program in your community or donate to the GCBAA Foundation, here are a few ways you can help.

The GCBAA Foundation knows that our success is largely dependent upon the generous donors and volunteers who donate their time, money, and resources to

help our programs thrive. There are so many ways for you to get involved, whether you’re looking to launch a Sticks for Kids Program in your community, donate to the GCBAA Foundation, or just help us spread the word. For more information about Sticks for Kids or to download applications and program materials, visit www.sticksforkids.org. Or contact the GCBAA Office at (402) 476-4444 or email lori_romano@gcbaa.org to find out how you can help.

How You Can Help

“Sticks for Kids has been a true asset to our golf course. Our students, their parents, and grandparents are so appreciative. Because we offer the program, kids are more likely to play rounds with their parents or grandparents on a regular basis outside the program. Thank you so much for supplies and materials you have provided through the years to assist us!” -Donna N., City of North Las Vegas Municipal Par 3

“Sticks for Kids was a huge thing for us. Most of the kids that participated in our clinics used the SFK sets. We also had several parents take sets onto the course if their child did not have one. It helps when kids have the opportunity to use a set of clubs to learn the game of golf. Thank you for all you do for the SFK Program! ” -Andy D., Birch Creek Golf Course

“Thank you for your support this year and the clubs you were able to provide. During our lesson and league time, the clubs were in constant use, either complete sets or supplemental clubs to fill a need in the junior’s bag. We look forward to increasing junior rounds in the future.” -Jeff P., Appleton Parks & Recreation Department

“Thank you so much for your support and help with our Junior Golf Academy and our junior clinics. Everything is fantastic and having the clubs helps us tremendously. The Sticks for Kids support is greatly appreciated -Beth C., City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department

“The children were very excited to be introduced to the game of golf. Some of these children had only been introduced to basketball and football. 90% of the children we worked with have never participated in golf. They were excited, anxious, and ready to learn! Without you, we would not have been able to pull off this program. Thank you so much for all you do!” -Tandra C., Aiken County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism

“The grant for the clubs was appreciated, and helped tremendously to build our junior program. Public transportation is available to the course in the low economic area for free. This year, we plan to promote the lessons and camps through the local park district which sends flyers to all residents in the district. We are planning for participation to increase 100%!” -Tom D., Manteno Golf Club & Learning Center

“The kids really enjoyed coming to the course each week and they looked forward to having fun learning the game of golf. 100% of them had never hit a golf ball until they came to the program and their general confidence in themselves started to increase each week as they improved..” -Wade F., Jim Ager Golf Course

“The program provided a structure that gives the kids more confidence when learning the game. Thank you GCBAA!” -Derrick G., Shelbyville Parks & Recreation

“Without the Sticks for Kids equipment, we could not provide the great programs we offer, so your support is incredibly valuable. Thank you! We are so grateful for all we have received!” Donna S., RevelationGolf

“The youth we serve may never have had a chance to even hold a golf club in their lifetime without this program. Many were eager to try it again after going through it. This program allows those in under-served communities the opportunity to experience golf. Without it, the children in these communities would likely never experience golf in their lifetimes. In 2016, we may be able to create some lifetime golf players. This is one of our goals. Thank you for allowing us to participate!” -Darren M., Rosenberg Parks & Recreation

“The Sticks for Kids Program has provided a structure that gives the kids more confidence when learning the game.” -Michael H., Lakeside Memorial Golf Course

“We at the Aiken Boxing Youth Development PAL really appreciate the support with the equipment and instructions provided to teach the sport of golf to our city and county youth and instill the core values of life within them. Thanks again!” -Wanda G., Aiken Boxing Youth Development PAL

“We continually see a change in demeanor of those involved in the program. They seem to take a quieter and more easygoing approach to things in general (much like golfers). They form bonds, take pride in their accomplishments, and are more respectful. This is an outstanding opportunity and the highlight of our program, much appreciated and much valued. Thank you!” -Mike K., Donna R. Liggins Center

“We are so impressed with the SFK Program that encourages young people to try their hand at the game of golf.” -Derrick G., Shelby County/Shelbyville Parks & Recreation

Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation

6040 S. 58th St., Ste. D

Lincoln, NE 68516

Phone: (402) 476-4444

Fax: (402) 476-4489

www.sticksforkids.org

www.gcbaafoundation.org