Golf Outreach Bingo

Let's play "Golf Outreach Bingo," where we take turns naming a worthy non-profit program that grows the game. There are tons of these; every golf organization seems to have one. But how many of them really work?

Here's mine: Links Across America is part of The Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, philanthropic arm of Wadsworth Golf Construction. Basically, Leon McNair is head honcho and Links Across America (LAA) works with cities and park districts to identify facilities - usually short courses or nine-holers - that are worth saving and upgrading. Leon pulls in various golf industry firms, plus grassroots organizations like the First Tee and local YMCAs, to put together a plan for 1) operating these facilities independent of the municipalities; and 2) upgrading them so they can optimally serve the young and novice golfers we're targeting.

Randall Oaks West Range Teaching Facility, shown above, was our first collaboration with LAA. It will open August 2010.

Part of what makes the LAA model work is that Leon has assembled a stable of course builders, managers and architects (including Lohmann Golf Designs) who have agreed to provide services either gratis or at cost. Once the pro formas for upgrading and managing these properties are vetted, LAA and Wadsworth Golf Charities do their part by kicking in very generous grants to get these projects redesigned, built or operating. Here's how you get in touch: leonm@wadsworthgolf.com or check out the website at http://www.wadsworthgolfcharitiesfoundation.com/.

What, you have something better?