Lincoln, NE – In 2021, PGA REACH Nebraska, the charitable arm of the Nebraska Section PGA introduced ‘Clubs FORE Youth’, the newest of their programs with a mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf.

PGA REACH Nebraska worked with the Nebraska Schools Activities Association to conduct a study covering more than 70 High School Girls Golf programs across the state to identify barriers to golf for girls. The results were staggering. The study found that 56% of the girls in Nebraska competing in high school golf do not use their own clubs and 43% of the equipment used was outdated, broken, or borderline unusable.

In an effort to fix this glaring problem, PGA REACH Nebraska created Clubs FORE Youth with the goal of fully equipping High School Girl’s Golf programs in need of resources and equipment assistance. In just three years since the inception of the program, PGA REACH Nebraska has donated 187 sets of brand new Callaway clubs and push carts to 30 High School Girls Golf programs in Nebraska. In addition to the equipment, the players and coaches receive PGA instruction during the summer.

“We identified a barrier, and we are committed to bridging this gap by providing every female scholar-athlete in our state with the proper equipment needed to compete. Not many schools are able to provide the proper equipment for their golf programs. We are here to help so that every girl can try golf and experience all the joys the game of golf provides. 

PGA REACH Nebraska is excited to announce the six newest recipients of their Clubs FORE Youth program ahead of the 2024 season. The High School Girls Golf programs at Blair, Doniphan-Trumbull, Papillion La Vista South, Grand Island Northwest, Ravenna and Stanton will be impacted this season. We spoke to the representatives of each school to get their reaction to the news.

2024 Clubs FORE Youth Recipients

Blair High School

Reaction from Coach Rachel Brown:

I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and support when I learned that we were selected for Clubs FORE Youth program. I am being honest when I say I started to tear up. Getting six brand new sets of clubs and push carts is crucial not only to help improve the girl’s game, but also to help with their attitudes. They commonly say, “no one cares about golf” so receiving these items will help them realize that people do care about the sport and that it is just as good of a sport as basketball, wrestling, or even football. I want the girls to be proud of their team and the sport they play and I believe receiving these items will help with that.

Stanton High School

Reaction from Coach Abbey Fox:

Our team’s selection is incredibly meaningful! Not only does it provide physical, tangible items to a group of golfers that definitely have a need, but it gives an emotional and mental boost as well! Selection for this initiative is telling these young ladies ‘Hey, we see what you’re doing here! We see your commitment and growth, we support you’! To be selected and recognized by this level of organization is truly an honor. Getting that email from Seth has certainly been a highlight of 2024. I couldn’t wait to share the news with our school officials, golf team, and golf parents!

Grand Island Northwest High School

Reaction from Coach Diane Rouzee:

I literally jumped up and down and screamed when I read my email and I couldn't get the smile off my face the rest of the day. I told everyone I knew about the news and my Athletic Director was over the moon as well. This plays a pivotal role in our program by allowing girls who don’t have good equipment to come out and play golf with those that do. We have had a lot of trouble with our push carts falling apart, tires not holding air, not making it through 18 holes in the past and I'm extremely thankful for this opportunity and excited to see how it will help us in the near future.

Papillion La Vista South High School

Reaction from Coach Jacob Watson:

This is such an amazing blessing for us. I believe that getting these clubs will bridge the gap for many of our players to participate. The pride that they will feel with a brand new set of clubs in their hands will only help build up their love for the game. When I received the call I truly could not stop smiling. I immediately thought of the girls who will be so excited and how they can bring that joy to our team. For a group with such great stature in the community to lead by example in giving back, it will have a lasting ripple effect on the entire community for years to come. PGA Reach Nebraska has truly changed the trajectory for girls golf in our state.

Doniphan-Trumbull High School

Reaction from Athletic Director Tyler Mogilefsky:

This support is immeasurable for the DT women’s golf program. We are fighting the same participation issues that are plaguing the rest of the state, and to be able to support the women’s golf program in this way means a lot to me. I am glad that we are able to provide something to student-athletes that might otherwise deter them from participating. When I received communication that we would be awarded this grant, I was over the moon. Having the ability to use this fantastic equipment, and for a long time, gives us staying power, as well as the ability to give our kids the best equipment possible for them to be successful.

Ravenna High School

Reaction from Coach Alison Yendra:

We are a small school district with a small golf course. Being selected for Clubs FORE Youth was a really big deal for our team and school. When I received the call, I was so excited for not only the program but for the girls. We have girls who do not go out because they do not have the clubs or the means to do so. Receiving this changes that. Receiving the four sets of clubs and push carts is a huge asset to our program. I had been lending my old set of clubs to a girl the last couple of years so she could participate. So, receiving these sets of clubs helps immensely in our ability to field a team and get girls out for the sport.

The club drop-off presentations have kicked off this week for the six selected programs with three already being completed.

On Wednesday, PGA REACH Nebraska representatives traveled to both Blair High School and Stanton High School to deliver the new clubs and push carts to their respective girls golf programs. The coaches and players had smiles from ear to ear as the clubs were delivered and the reactions were priceless.

At the Blair drop-off, more than 100 students and school representatives were waiting for team PGA REACH Nebraska as they arrived showing the impact Clubs FORE Youth is having goes beyond golf.

On Friday morning, the team headed to Papillion La Vista South High School where PGA REACH Nebraska representatives attended their Spring pep rally with the entire school in attendance. To kick it all off, the clubs and push carts were rolled out to center court as members of the girls golf team we’re surprised with their new tools.

 

Inclusion is a core value of PGA REACH Nebraska, and we are committed to making sure that people of all backgrounds have access to and feel authentically welcome in the game and business of golf. Clubs FORE Youth has carried those values and continues to break down barriers that have held back High School girls all across the state for so many years.

The six selected schools for this season will receive their new sets of clubs and push carts along with PGA Professional instruction this summer. “As the experts in teaching the game of golf, the Nebraska PGA Professionals are looking forward to spending time with each of these programs and helping them with their golf game,” said Scollard.

PGA REACH Nebraska is committed to this program for years to come and we look forward to the continued support from donors and communities as we continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives through the game of golf. Stay tuned on our social media channels at @pgareachneb for updates as they travel to each of the six recipients for their club drop-offs and PGA Instructions sessions!