On August 11, 2024, Today’s Junior Golfer (TJG), in partnership with USKids Golf Phoenix, held an equipment drive at Longbow Golf Course in Mesa, Arizona, during the USKids Summer Tour Championship. This drive was organized to benefit "Pops & Jr," a non-profit organization based in Mesa that offers lessons, camps, and free golf access to children. The event provided USKids families with a convenient opportunity to donate golf equipment their kids no longer use, which might otherwise just collect dust at home.
As parents checked in their golfers at registration, some dropped off their items, while others, surprised to learn about the project, sought more information on how to connect with TJG for future equipment drives. TJG spokesperson Barry Midthun noted that the reception from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of them making similar comments like, “We have a lot of stuff sitting around the house that we need to get to you!” Items donated that day included youth clubs, bags, hats, balls, gloves, shoes, shirts, shorts, skirts, training aids, and more. Parents were also provided with a donation receipt for tax purposes. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said Midthun, as area kids, many from lower-income families, will now be connected with starter clubs and golf accessories, while parents were able to clear out some space in their garages and closets.
As an added bonus, Arizona’s own Johnnie Clark, now a sophomore elite golfer at Oklahoma State University, stopped by the TJG table for a picture with the trophy he had won minutes earlier at Longbow during the Arizona Match Play, which concluded just before the USKids players began their rounds.
If your golf course is in the Phoenix, Arizona area and has a need for youth golf equipment for your programs, please reach out to TJG at staff@todaysjuniorgolfer.com. For dates and times of future TJG equipment drives, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, where we’ll announce the tournaments we’ll be attending next. You can also drop off your old equipment at TJG drop off locations; Dobson Ranch Golf Course and Paradise Valley Park Golf Course. Finally, a special thanks to Longbow Golf Course and USKids Golf Phoenix director Dale Baldvin for allowing TJG to be a part of their Summer Tour Championship!
