The ASGCA Foundation is partnering with the PGA of America on the new ‘First Links’ programme for golf course owners and operators interested in reconfiguring their layouts and/or devoting open land to smaller scale facilities to allow new players to ease into the game.

First Links provides grants to applicants to pay for visits by ASGCA members to evaluate golf facilities for their potential to develop a short course or practice area, or otherwise modify their existing layouts to welcome new players. ASGCA member consultants will follow up their one-day visits with a site evaluation report describing ideas for layout or open land reconfiguration.

The PGA’s First Links initiative harks back to its founding when renowned architect AW Tillinghast was invited to a 1916 luncheon in New York to discuss the formation of an association of golf professionals. Tillinghast served from 1935-36 as a PGA consultant, traveling across the US to review 370 facilities.

The First Links grant programme embraces ASGCA’s commitment to design that welcomes beginners and the PGA’s historical connection to Tillinghast’s travels and consulting. 

For additional information on First Links, visit ASGCA’s website or email Aileen Smith.