PGA Pros urged to chip-in for youngsters

The Golf Foundation has set PGA Professionals a creative ‘Chip-in’ Challenge to help raise funds for young people who want to play the sport.

The charity is challenging club pros to raise at least £100 by holding a golfing contest, such as a nearest the pin competition, ‘chip for charity’, or putting challenge.

Thousands of youngsters at schools, communities and golf clubs across the country are already benefitting from the Foundation’s work and the funding raised from the initiative will be used to expand their programme, allowing more youngsters to develop their technical ability and gain access to the life skills that the sport can offer.

The charity is currently working with the national golf development bodies of England, Scotland and Wales to give youngsters of all backgrounds the chance to play the sport, and PGA Professionals play a central role in their strategy.

They are involved in nearly all Golf Foundation school-club linked projects, and help to develop thousands of boys and girls of all abilities along a focused pathway from school golf to club golf.

Mike Round, chief executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “PGA Professionals are the dynamic heart of the playing side of golf at their clubs. They command respect and are listened to by members and visitors.

“A great many have an excellent relationship with our Golf Foundation team and we think they would enjoy this fundraising challenge for a great golfing cause.” 

The PGA is one of the Golf Foundation’s strongest supporters, and this year growing numbers of PGA Professionals are signing up to adopt the Foundation’s official learning programme for young people, the Junior Golf Passport. The passport is fully endorsed by the PGA.

Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, said: “The PGA and its members are passionate supporters of the Golf Foundation. Our members work in a variety of ways to deliver the Foundation’s programmes, all of which bring the game of golf to young people in a variety of environments.

“We endorse the Foundation and its work not only in using golf to create the next generation of golfers but also to bring life skills to many youngsters through golf.

"I hope that the ‘Chip-in’ initiative will be well supported and will help in raising needed funding to allow this wonderful work to continue.”