Throughout the state of Wisconsin, over 9,000 kids have the opportunity to participate in a variety of junior golf activities thanks to The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin (GFW) and the Wisconsin State Golf Association. 

In 2002, two new The First Tee facilities opened, bringing the total number of The First Tee facilities in the state of Wisconsin to five.  The purpose of these facilities is to teach youth the basic skills of golf and provide a place for participants to play and practice.  These facilities are designed strictly with the junior golfer in mind and include special “juniors-only” practice areas complete with putting greens, short-game areas, and practice holes. 

Lessons are offered for all levels of junior golfers at each site.  Site locations include Milwaukee (2), Appleton, Green Bay, and Madison.  Participants completing intermediate programs qualify to receive the junior development card.  This card allows the participant access to the Kids on Course (KOC) program, of which The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin is an active participant.  The Kids on Course program is supported nationwide by the United States Golf Association and the National Golf Course Owner’s Association, and allows junior golfers the opportunity to play golf at participating courses for only $1!  In 2002, The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin partnered with 50 courses to make this opportunity available to youth in their state.

Beyond the opportunity to play golf for $1, the KOC Card allows juniors the ability to post complete or partial scores through a computer system developed by StarPlan and administered by the Wisconsin State Golf Association.  This system has proven to be an invaluable asset for The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin as they are able to accurately assess improvement as players progress through their programs. 

Beyond the great measures The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin has taken to implement ways to record a player’s progress, The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin is home to one of the most unique junior golf learning centers in the world.  Located in downtown Milwaukee, Bridging the Gap has been offering golf programs for youth since 2001.  Because the learning center is situated on a square block in the city, The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin provides transportation to city golf courses for those participants who are ready to try their swing on the course. 

Outside of the junior golf lessons offered, The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin has also instituted a caddie program through the Bridging the Gap facility for those interested participants.  Caddie participants must perform at a satisfactory level in areas of academics and behavior to remain a part of the program.  The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin educates the caddies, maintains the relationships with the golf courses who request caddies, and provides transportation for the caddie participants from Bridging the Gap to the golf courses.  In 2001, 50 youths participated in the caddie program.            

The most valuable aspect of GFW programs is the life skills component.  A small amount of time each session is dedicated to educating the participants on health and wellness issues, as well as improving communication skills and expanding participant’s life experiences.  

Since 1996, The Golf Foundation of Wisconsin and the United States Golf Association Foundation have maintained a strong relationship.  As the Golf Foundation of Wisconsin continues to expand and grow the programs it offers for juniors, this relationship helps to ensure the future of junior golf in Wisconsin.