The Golf Foundation is a charity committed to the sporting and social development of young people through golf.

Introduction

The Golf Foundation believes that golf is a wholesome activity that enriches the lives of those who participate in the sport. Through its work, it aims to give all young people a positive experience through the medium of golf regardless of their background or circumstances.

‘Skills for Life’ is a principle that underpins the Golf Foundation’s work and links directly to the organisation’s mission statement. It is based on the belief that children and young people are able to develop playing skills and personal skills through the Foundation’s development initiatives, which will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Encouraging children and young people to learn and practice the basic playing skills – putting, short game, long game, course play and the golfer’s code – will lead to the psychological and physical benefits associated with improvement, personal achievement and life-long participation in sport.

Golf places strong emphasis on standards of behaviour and, therefore, is an ideal medium through which children and young people can develop six core personal skills – honesty, respect, co-operation, perseverance, concentration and self-motivation – which will help them through their youth and into adulthood.

Through the application of ‘Skills for Life’ the Golf Foundation is aiming to achieve the following outcomes:

i) Young individuals with a basic knowledge of golf and how to play the game.

ii) Young individuals with confidence and the ability to be able to handle themselves appropriately within a social setting.

iii) Young individuals with an understanding of the importance of adopting an active lifestyle.

Achieving the operational aims

The Golf Foundation delivers its operational activity through a single programme - HSBC Golf Roots - and aims to achieve its mission by supporting community and city projects.

Through the community projects the Golf Foundation supports school and school/club link activity.  This is driven through the School Sport Partnerships or similar structures and includes activity in primary schools (Tri-Golf), secondary schools (Golf Xtreme) and in clubs (outreach work).

Also under the heading of community projects, the Golf Foundation supports opportunities offered through local centres or through local organisations such as the scouts and guides.

Through the city projects, the Golf Foundation is able to reach into communities where golf hasn't previously been considered as an option and promote the benefits of the sport to 'hard to reach' groups.

The Junior Golf Passport is sturctured learning programme which is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from school-based activity to club-based programmes. As well as the Junior Golf Passport Core Pack, which is provided to all those who deliver the scheme, there is guidance, information and resources specific to delivery in the school and golf facility environments.

To complement the development initiatives, the Golf Foundation encourages the organisation of appropriate competitive opportunities including Tri-Golf Festivals, Golf Xtreme Festivals, competitions on ‘throw-down’ courses, and short course events.

The Golf Foundation aims to maintain a network of Regional Development Officers who are available to assist and support School Sport Partnerships and local golf facilities.

A central administration team provide support to the Regional Development Officers and a marketing team exists to ensure that the organisation and its work are promoted effectively.

The Golf Foundation’s development remit ceases when a child or young person achieves an official CONGU handicap (ie 28 for males and 36 for females).

Click on the 'History' button to find out how the Golf Foundation started, or the 'Contacts' button for a list of telephone numbers and email addresses.