Access Fees for Courses and Practice Ranges
Course Access - The largest single cost a junior golf program may incur is for golf course and practice range access. However, there are many courses that will provide their facility at a significant discount to juniors. Those seeking grants (particularly those who are unfamiliar with golf) should spend significant time meeting with and negotiating their course access fees. Non golf grant writers beware - make sure you have a "golfer" to help you with pricing and negotiations. Junior golf access should be achievable for prices dramatically cheaper than adult golf. Prices should be reasonable and described in your grant request. Generally you should never pay more than $20 for a round of golf for juniors on a regulation size golf course. Clubs will often donate the use of their course during off-peak times including some school holidays that fall on Mondays when some courses close. Beginning junior golfers should rarely play more than 9-holes. 3 and 6-hole "rounds" are recommended.
Range and Practice Facilities - Beginning golfers can be introduced to the game in many different settings. Perhaps the best situation for beginners is a good practice range facility that includes a short course. A good size putting green is also important. However, kids may be introduced to the game on almost any athletic field or park area. Be sure to consider the use of public parks and contact your local parks and recreation to seek access to their facilities. Similarly, golf courses owned by your city or county are often very committed to serving the public and free access for juniors should be very achievable.
Range and Practice Facilities - Beginning golfers can be introduced to the game in many different settings. Perhaps the best situation for beginners is a good practice range facility that includes a short course. A good size putting green is also important. However, kids may be introduced to the game on almost any athletic field or park area. Be sure to consider the use of public parks and contact your local parks and recreation to seek access to their facilities. Similarly, golf courses owned by your city or county are often very committed to serving the public and free access for juniors should be very achievable.
