As part of their continued support of Hook A Kid On Golf, the United States Golf Association (USGA) recently donated $100,000 to be distributed among Hook A Kid On Golf sites. The funds, in the form of matching grants, will reach at least 80 Hook A Kid On Golf communities that are in need of financial assistance.

Any Hook A Kid On Golf site that is running the Tee Level Clinic – its introductory program – is eligible to apply for the grant. Tee Level Clinics consist of week-long instruction on all aspects of the game, as well as a starter set of golf clubs that each child gets to keep.

“We really appreciate this type of funding to bring the program to the kids that most need this experience,” said Michael Smith, director of the Wadsworth Recreation Department (Ohio).

The USGA has been an integral part of Hook A Kid On Golf's enormous success since its inception in 1991. The grants provide underprivileged youngsters nationwide the opportunity to participate in the week-long introductory clinics at little or no cost.

“We have 20 participants in the Tee Level Clinic each year, and we use our matching grant money to fully pay for half of them – those who are socio-economically challenged – to complete the program,” said Chris Siesky, site coordinator for the Wadsworth (Ohio) Hook A Kid On Golf program.

“We are extremely grateful for the USGA’s support of our program,” said Katie Gholson, program director for Hook A Kid On Golf. “Their assistance has been instrumental in allowing us to impact the lives of thousands of youngsters who otherwise would never have the opportunity to learn or play this great game.”

The deadline for sites to apply for the grant is April 21.

Hook A Kid On Golf is just one of many programs and services provided by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) – America’s leading advocate for safe and healthy sports for youth.

For more information on Hook A Kid On Golf or the USGA matching grant, please call (800) 688-KIDS.