NEWS

The state of Illinois is fortunate to have a number of strong female groups that are dedicated to golf, business, and networking.

Beginning next year, elementary schools in Illinois will have something exciting to offer students who play golf. The first state championship for elementary school students will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

The Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois hosted its 7th Annual Thinking Outside The Tee Box golf outing on Saturday, September 11, 2010, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

In 1998 Jerry Rich and longtime friend Don Springer established the Kids Golf Foundation. The Foundation, a non-for-profit organization, is dedicated to bringing the sport of golf into the lives of children and providing them with opportunities for personal growth and career enhancement.

Since 1999, Hook A Kid On Golf sites from across the United States hit the links at the Traditions of Golf Challenge, a one-of-a-kind competition that stresses the importance of golf’s rules, etiquette and history, along with playing skills. This year’s competition was held at the Cascades Golf Course in Bloomington, Indiana, August 6-8.

The traditions and influence of the Kids Golf Foundation and Rich Harvest Farms continue. Year after year, these two groups partner to bring exciting events to amateur golfers in Illinois, many of which help to reinforce the life lessons and values that the sport can teach to those participating or observing.

The Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois celebrated its 5th Anniversary of The Springer Cup, an annual tournament for junior golfers. Modeled after The Solheim Cup, the event is match-play format composed of two teams, Red and Blue, who compete for the cup.

Northern Illinois women’s golf coach and local Kids Golf Foundation/Hook A Kid On Golf Site Coordinator, Pam Tyska and her team were given separate awards for their work in the DeKalb-Sycamore and university communities, it was announced Tuesday.

Summer time is when many golfers participate in tournaments for the purpose of fun, challenge, prestige, and for socializing. Ashley Armstrong is playing in tournaments this summer for an additional reason, to raise money for charity. Ashley, a junior at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, is taking part in the Leadership Links Program, which offers an opportunity to raise money for charity by simply playing tournament golf.

This March, Girl Scouts could be seen armed with water bottles and towels ready to participate in a variety of health and fitness activities at Fit Fest in Country Club Hills, Illinois. The Kids Golf Foundation partnered with the Girl Scouts to bring the rewarding sport of golf to over 100 young girls ranging in age from kindergarten through fifth grade.