As part of our journey to become the home of golf in Canada, one of our fundamental goals is to grow the game of golf across the country —and that starts with bringing new players into this incredible sport. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with the Canadian Junior Golf Association to present the First Swing program, a new initiative grow the game by introducing juniors to an incredible sport that can last a lifetime in an affordable way.

By collaborating with the CJGA, we’re able to help give youngsters aged five to 14 who might have not otherwise had access to the game, the chance to play.

“I couldn’t be happier to have this day come,” said Brad Parkins, Chief Operating Officer of the CJGA. “Golf is a game that does so many positive things for people, and being able to expose this game and all its benefits to new participants is remarkable.”

The CJGA and Golf Town, along with TaylorMade, Skechers, Cutter & Buck, and with the important presence of the PGA of Canada, have designed the First Swing program to make golf accessible, affordable, safe and fun. For $299, every participant will attend a welcome event at their local Golf Town where they will receive a TaylorMade Rory McIlroy Junior Club set, Skechers shoes, a shirt and hat from Cutter & Buck, and meet the PGA of Canada Professional that will facilitate their six one-hour weekly sessions, with a maximum of six participants to every instructor to make for a more one-to-one coaching experience. The 2019 golf season will be the  kick-off to the program with the sessions being available in select cities and expanding in 2020 to more regions across the country.

The CJGA runs competitive programs over 30 sites across Canada with up to 4,000 children participating annually, with past participants including professional stars like Golf Town athlete Brooke Henderson and PGA Tour winner Adam Hadwin. But Parkins wanted to be clear the First Swing Program is not competitive in nature. Instead, it is viewed as an entry point for golf with Canadian kids.

“I’m sure some will go on to play in events, but the goal is simply to get kids outdoors, playing golf and enjoying themselves,” he said. “This is a game that you can play your entire life—but you need to be introduced to it first. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Golf Town customers can help support the program’s expansion throughout the month of July by making donations to the First Swing Program in-store.

To learn more, visit www.firstswing.ca.