The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as their Official Youth Development Partner in a five-year mission to introduce youth nationwide to the game of golf. Beginning in 47 selected cities, the PGA Sports Academy program, golf training equipment and instructional support from PGA Professionals will be provided through this partnership to help youth build character, develop healthy lifestyles, and learn the game of golf.

The PGA Sports Academy was piloted at three Clubs in 2010-11. After the new program rolls out in the initial markets in 2012, plans call for expanding the program to at least 150 Clubs over the following five years. Clubs will implement the five to six week curricula at least twice a year, with specific scheduling determined locally. The three core components of the partnership are:

• PGA Professionals will serve as instructors, utilizing space both in and out of local clubs to facilitate the PGA Sports Academy program.
• Professionals will teach basic skills and the Rules of Golf, in addition to coordinating contests and games to reinforce both the fun of the game and skill development.
• The golf training clubs and equipment provided by The PGA to each Boys & Girls Club allows for safe golf activity in limited space, and is designed for multiple users.

Over the next five years, The PGA, USGA and BGCA will extend the range of golf opportunities to members and their families, including special golf fun days at local Boys & Girls Clubs, family days at local courses, invitations to golf clinics and tournaments, and the development of league play.

The PGA and USGA will support the implementation of the PGA Sports Academy program, which teaches youth age 8-13 basic golf skills along with good character and life skills promoted by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. For many of the Club members, this will be the first time they have ever held and swung a golf club. Participants will also be afforded the opportunity to visit a local golf course, where they can practice newly learned skills in a green-grass golf environment.