The USGA announced today that they have awarded over $700,000 in their latest cycle of grants for programs that bring golf to kids and those with special needs. These programs introduce people to golf who likely have never and will never set foot on one of the exclusive country clubs of golf lore, but who can benefit from the joy of the game

The beneficiaries include a job corps for at-risk teens that is looking to build a driving range, and an inner-city Atlanta community that teaches golf to over 800 kids. In total, thirty-one grants were given.

“The values that are inherent to the game of golf are transferable to areas of personal development that reach far beyond the golf course,” said USGA President Fred Ridley. “We are excited to lend our support to those programs that continue to not only develop the future generation of golfers, but to ensure a future full of local leaders and active community members.”

It’s great to see the USGA giving back to those less fortunate. Golf tends to have a reputation for being a bunch of rich, white men who wish to keep the exclusive nature that they enjoy. These grant programs go a long way towards proving this perception wrong.