August 17, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
Since opening in June 2013 in the Missouri City section of Houston, Tx, Little Birdies Mobile Golf Academy has taught the game of golf to over 4,000 youth. The concept may be new, but it’s working tremendously well in growing the game while bringing fun and excitement to the surrounding area, thanks to its Founder and Owner Archie D. Craft, Jr.
LBMGA is on a mission to impact the lives of young people by exposing them to golf, a sport that integrates math and science concepts and models key character lessons that will improve him/her as a whole. The mobile golf program is advantageous to individuals, parents, and organizations who wish to expose youth to the sport.
“We introduce golf with the use of videos, fun worksheets, cartoons, and movies. This versatility helps promote the fun and excitement that kids and their families experience, while also enhancing the impact of our curriculum-based classes,” says Craft. This versatility helps promote the fun and excitement that kids and their families experience, while also enhancing the impact of our curriculum-based classes,” he continued.
The convenience that the LBMGA program provides to its customers is an overwhelming benefit to participants. “We bring all of the equipment and supplies to the sites we serve. And with this type of full-service, we have ‘kind of’ broken down some of the barriers for access to the game.”
Craft, 41, originally from Muskogee, Okla., resides in Houston, Tx. He holds a U.S. Kids Golf certification and a Positive Coaching Alliance certification (since 2017). The Lead Instructor is the author of “Kirby Learns to FOCUS,” the first book in a children’s series teaching character/life skills through golf.
In offering its mobile golf classes to PreK and elementary students with programming designed for in-school, after-school, daycare, online, and through private lessons, LBMGA serves a customer base of public and private educational institutions, churches, and community centers. LBMGA has also had a long-standing partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County, and, established (before the COVID-19 pandemic) a relationship with the YMCA.
As a mobile golf program LBMGA is able to be almost anywhere. This summer, due to increased demand, two group Golf Camps were made available for youth ages 4-15. For Fall 2020, the LBMGA Golf Camp (social distancing) is nearly sold out. “During the pandemic, we have ventured into hosting virtual classes, which has been a real treat,” says Craft, who plays at an 8 handicap.
Being determined to follow his dream to launch the golf academy, Craft started with an initial investment of $10,000, which he took from a portion of one of his retirement accounts. Afterward, he quickly began an effort to build partnerships with a few local golf courses and to host annual events for kids.
As LBMGA continued to grow in reaching hundreds of youth annually, Craft took another big step, “In January 2016, we started our 501c3, under this vehicle, we host events and give scholarships,” he said.
As with any business, there’s been challenges along the way for Craft. “My biggest has been in attempting to break down the mental barrier that so many families of color have towards the game of golf,” he says, mentioning that some families believe the sport it is just too expensive for their kids to be involved in. Or, they are hesitant to sign their youngsters up because they think that no one else there will look like them (Black); or they don’t know any other Blacks who play—besides Tiger Woods.
Another barrier faced by LBMGA, ” We still have challenges in finding staff members to coach youth and help support the vision of Little Birdies.”
“Little Birdies Mobile Golf Academy is in the process of scaling this service business through licensing or franchising in order to continue growing the game of golf in all communities. Interested parties should contact our office for details,” says Craft.
Craft is determined to overcome challenges and is passionate about continuing to make a difference in exposing all youth to golf. He is married to his wife of 18-years, Monica, and is an active member of the Greater Houston Golfers Association (GHGA), Black Golfers Association (BGA), and U.S. Kids Golf.
For more information on LBMGA visit the website http://www.littlebirdiesgolf.com.
