NEWS

Junior golfers, parents, Site Coordinators, and coaches gathered in Naperville this February to attend the Kids Golf Foundation’s College Golf Information Session. More than 160 individuals, wanting to learn more about college and becoming a college golfer and student-athlete, attended the session.

Chicago’s McCormick Place was recently full of sport enthusiasts of all ages. The tenth annual Mayor Daley’s Chicago Sports Fest took place on December 27 and 28; the free festival presented many different activities, tournaments, and interactive zones for all who attended. The festival was hosted by the City of Chicago, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the Chicago Park District, and McCormick Place.

This past summer a junior golfer used his talents to help other kids who want to learn the game. Daniel Stringfellow, a high school senior from Roselle with eleven years of golf experience, decided to participate in the American Junior Golf Association’s (AJGA) Playing It Forward program. Through his efforts over $800 was raised to support the Kids Golf Foundation.

This past summer, Lauren Hoss and Natalie Haines were hired as interns for the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois, a statewide junior golf organization based in Sugar Grove. Lauren and Natalie are both members of the golf team at Rosary High School in Aurora. The girls chose an internship and employment opportunity that was focused on the sport that they love.

The National New Site of the Year and Illinois Site Coordinator of the Year awards have been announced. The Kids Golf Foundation gives out the Site Coordinator of the Year award to recognize those with sincere commitment to positively impact kids. This year the number of recipients for the Coordinator of the Year award has increased.

The Kids Golf Foundation is a statewide non for profit organization that offers valuable resources, unique special events and activities, and funding for Hook A Kid On Golf organizations and their program participants. In 1998 when the Foundation was established, there were 11 Hook A Kid On Golf program sites. At its peak in 2003, the Foundation helped to increase that number to over 100.

Because the girls division, Thinking Outside The Tee Box, has been effective and well-received, the Foundation offered the same type of event to its male program participants for the first time this year! The 1ST Annual Other Side Of The Green golf outing was hosted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

With The 2009 Solheim Cup just around the corner, the atmosphere surrounding the prestigious event is one of anticipation, especially for the 29 selected Standard Bearers! Participants represent both the Kids Golf Foundation and the Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA). Site Coordinators nominated program participants who they felt most exemplified their organization and the Kids Golf Foundation’s mission. The IJGA selected deserving candidates from their membership, as well.

Coming to The 2009 Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms is more than just seeing a professional golf tournament. Along with the LPGA, the Kids Golf Foundation is offering a Youth Group Ticket Program to organizations willing to attend as a group together. Both junior golf groups and non-golf groups are encouraged to attend. Under the Youth Group Ticket Program, Children 15 and under get in free and children ages 16-21 and adult chaperones have a discounted rate on tickets!

Coming to the 2009 Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms is more than just seeing a professional golf tournament. The Kids Golf Foundation, along with program partners, wants to make it a destination and shared experience for program sites, families and kids, youth groups and high school golf teams in the area! It will be something program partners and the Foundation will be proud of!