Programming, Preservation, and Promotion are three words that trigger exceptional skills in the historic Cedar Crest Golf Course community of Dallas, TX.
The I AM a Golfer Foundation, which promotes sports and activities to diversify historically underserved communities, continues to have an impact beyond the course on an everyday basis.
Chuck Walker, Board Member and Executive Director of the I AM a Golfer Foundation, works daily to ensure that a child’s life will continually improve.
“I just wanted to drive the golf cart with my dad until I started playing for myself.” A gentleman told my dad, ‘He is pretty good at this; he can go far.’ I later learned there were golf scholarships, just like basketball and football. I knew it would be more difficult than the other sports, but with golf, you control your destiny; the numbers are the numbers.
The game of golf is one of structure; each hole offers a variety of challenges that you can attempt to solve yourself.
I AM a Golfer Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that each child is educated about the game of golf and the industry. The game of golf is a multi-billion-dollar industry that allows individuals to explore a world of adventures.
Walker said: “There are 1.7 million jobs in the golf industry. If we were in an equitable state or condition, people of color would hold 12-15 percent of those jobs… There is a significant opportunity for improvement in the industry, and until that is achieved, I will always have work to do and hope for the industry.”
The Grassroots Grants Program (GGP) allows programs like I AM a Golfer to flourish. The program aims to support organizations dedicated to introducing golf to underrepresented groups. Managed by the American Golf Industry Coalition, a branch of the World Golf Foundation, the program has awarded $2.5 million to 237 organizations since 2021.
Make Golf Your Thing administers the grants program, which is designed to increase diverse golfers, allowing them to chase dreams that they never thought they could have. From personal mentorship and coaching to financial security, this program shapes the youth to be the change they want to see.
Walker said: “The Make Golf Your Thing, Grassroots program has been our lifeline. This program recognizes that Grassroots groups are doing good work, reaching out to the community, going into places, and doing things that only smaller hyper-focused groups can do…the grant is more than just financial support; it is a lifelong commitment to golf and those who play it.”
Hannah Kirby is a junior at Florida A&M University, majoring in broadcast journalism. She is a freelance writer for Make Golf Your Thing, specific to the Grassroots Grants and HBCU initiatives. She can be reached at hannahkirby236@gmail.com.
