Investing in the Future

Colorado Golf Association and Colorado Golf Foundation Invest Nearly $120,000 to Expand Golf Opportunities for More Than 39,000 Young Coloradans

Grant Program Supports Youth Caddie Programs, Junior Player Development and Community Partnerships Working to Grow the Game Across Colorado

(GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.) – The Colorado Golf Association (CGA) and the Colorado Golf Foundation (CGF) have awarded $119,750 in grants to programs and organizations that are expected to positively impact more than 39,000 young people throughout Colorado in 2026. The annual investment reflects their ongoing commitment to making golf more accessible while creating opportunities that extend well beyond the golf course.

The grants support a diverse network of organizations dedicated to youth development, player education, caddie programs and community engagement, helping introduce new participants to golf while fostering leadership, confidence and lifelong connections to the game.

"Golf has the power to positively influence lives far beyond the fairways," said Ed Mate, CEO of the Colorado Golf Association. "Through our grantmaking program, we're proud to invest in organizations that are creating opportunities for young people to learn valuable life skills, build confidence and discover all that this game can offer."

More than two-thirds of this year's grant funding, $83,250, was awarded to community organizations throughout Colorado, while the remaining $36,500 supports CGA programs that directly serve junior golfers and youth caddies. Collectively, the grants are projected to reach more than 39,000 participants, demonstrating meaningful statewide impact through strategic partnerships.

Among the organizations and initiatives receiving support in 2026 are:

• CGA Caddie Summit Club Grants, which strengthen youth caddie programs and create additional opportunities for young people to develop leadership, work ethic and life skills through caddying.
• CGA Junior Player Development, expanding opportunities for aspiring competitive golfers through instruction, player development and tournament preparation.
• First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, First Tee – Green Valley Ranch, First Tee Southern Colorado and First Tee Four Corners, which use golf as a vehicle to teach character, resilience and personal growth while introducing thousands of young people to the game.
• Colorado PGA REACH, whose programs make golf more accessible while positively impacting youth, military veterans and diverse communities.
• Gold Crown Foundation, which provides sports-based youth development programming that encourages healthy lifestyles, leadership and academic success.
• Pikes Peak Golf Links, which expands access to golf and youth programming in southern Colorado.
• Sapphire Golf Tour Junior Clinic, introducing young golfers from diverse backgrounds to the game through instructional clinics and community engagement.

The investments reflect a commitment to ensuring golf welcomes participants from every background. Among the projected youth served through this year's grants, 37% are girls, nearly half are under the age of 12 and the programs collectively reach communities representing a broad range of racial and ethnic backgrounds across Colorado.

Community partnerships continue to represent the largest area of impact, accounting for approximately 65% of all youth served through its grantmaking efforts in 2026.

"Every grant represents an investment in the future of golf and, more importantly, in the future of Colorado's young people," added Mate. "Whether a child picks up a golf club for the first time, develops into a competitive player or discovers new opportunities through caddying, these partnerships help ensure golf remains a game that changes lives for generations to come."

For more information about CGA and CGF charitable programs, visit coloradogolf.org.

About the Colorado Golf Association

The Colorado Golf Association (CGA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, promoting and preserving the game of golf throughout Colorado. Serving more than 100,000 members, the CGA conducts championships, administers the World Handicap System, develops programs that expand access to the game and supports charitable initiatives through the Colorado Golf Foundation. Through its commitment to player development, community engagement and lifelong participation in golf, the CGA works to ensure a healthy future for the game across the state. For more information, visit www.coloradogolf.org and follow @coloradogolf (Instagram).