There are numerous barriers within the game of golf. Time, accessibility, and cost are just a few. In fact these are some of the main issues in growing the game. In our fast pace- ever changing world, golf has lost some of it’s Mojo.
The future of golf looked bright when Tiger Woods became the face that every kid recognized. In many ways Tiger transformed the game, and he saw the potential of growing the game through the youth. Unfortunately mega media, flashy commercials and slick campaigns have not brought the growth expected or needed. The goodwill of many organizations fail to provide what is needed on a local level. The playing field of golf is so much different than that of any other sport. You can’t play it in the parking lot, or out in the back yard. It’s a demanding sport, requiring time, effort and a dedicated learning facility…and it is a singular experience, without anything but personal satisfaction for a job well done. Growing the game for today’s youth has become a difficult endeavor…
Unless you consider the efforts of Brandon Evans – Director of Fun and Entertainment at Village Greens in Woodridge.
1000 First Swings
Brandon and his staff at Village Greens in Woodridge are promoting 1000 1st Swings – Introduce a Kid to Golf. This program targets getting kids into the game of golf. By eliminating the barrier of cost (for equipment and range fees) Brandon and the Woodridge Park District are providing an opportunity for adults to introduce the game of golf with 
almost no expense involved. In my conversation with Brandon, you could feel the passion he has for this project. And after reading how he was introduced to the game, you will find where the passion was born.
Partnered with US Kids Golf, Village Greens has 10 sets of clubs available for rental for use… gratis. The golf course will provide a free bucket of balls for each child and adult that brings the child. They only need to sign up and register via the website to get a certificate.
Brandon even gives a little 8 step (found in the website link) process on how to begin a “young” golfer into exploring the game. So even if you don’t play the game, you have a set of directions, and that is all that is needed…Bravo!
Now the interesting aspect is that Brandon has offered to provide an additional 3 buckets of range balls to any “youngster” that fills out a short survey. Now that’s thinking outside the box.
Only the Beginning
What Brandon and the Woodridge Park District are trying to accomplish is not new. When I worked at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, Brent Wadsworth of Wadsworth Golf Construction Company contributed and established the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation. Through the Foundation, hundreds of children, that would otherwise be excluded from golf, were given a great introduction to the game. It was an experience that I still remember today. In many ways I understand completely what Brandon hopes to achieve, and that is what Dogleg Right Golf is all about. So if you need some help introducing your child, neighbors kid, or someone from your community, and don’t know what to do…drop us an email, or a tweet. The first swing is always the best one!
The greatest gift begins with a thought and moves on to action. So please check out Brandon’s link and if you have a chance….give the Game of Golf back some Mojo…
Village Greens of Woodridge is located on 75th Street just east of I-355 (on the south side of 75th look for the water tower) For more information, or questions please contact:
Photo Courtesy of Steve McCoy and Danny McCoy
