With the Four Corners region serving as a hotbed for high quality golf, from the highly-rated courses to the history-rich high school programs, the United States Golf Association wants to keep expanding its reach to grow the game.
To address barriers youth face when introduced to the game, the USGA has partnered with the Four Corners chapter of The First Tee program by allocating its IDEA Grant to help provide opportunities for students attending Title I schools in the Navajo Nation.
According to the USGA, the grant will fund field trips for students, while conducting programming aimed at bringing more Native youths to the game.
Kirtland’s Riverview Golf Course will serve as a host site for a series of interactive days this upcoming spring. Students will receive opportunities to learn the game through modified equipment at their school, then put their learning into practice at Riverview.
To date, the Four Corners chapter has supported over 200 children – primarily elementary school students – to gain a foothold in the sport.
“Elementary school physical education teachers are encouraged to get their schools involved, since we provide equipment, curriculum and training to include golf in their classes,” said First Tee Four Corners Executive Director Tina Pacheco said.
Since the grant’s inception in 2021, over 50 chapters nationwide have received funding to improve the grassroots level for the sport, allocating nearly $1 million in grants toward promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
Pacheco said the programs typically operate during March, April, October and November.
Those who are interested can contact First Tee Four Corners at 505-334-4291.
