NEWPORT – The island is abuzz with the U.S. Senior Open at the Newport Country Club – and not just with the traditional adult male golfer.
Golf’s demographics have expanded, thanks to the work of local golf representatives, says USGA’s Kimberly Miller, the brand communication manager.
According to a written release from Miller, 26.6 million people participated in golf last year, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth.
Lynn LaRocca, a USGA senior director of marking, said that 3.5 million youth swung clubs on the greens last year while 4 million women played. LaRocca said 2023 represented “a record high” for beginner golfers.
LaRocca said this during a phone interview on Thursday, the first day of the tournament. She noted the soft wind blowing off the ocean and the excitement in the air at the golf course.
“There’s no other place to be,” she said.
LaRocca said the USGA has invested time and resources especially toward youth organizations to make it more accessible.
The investment has paid off – as last year a “record-breaking” number of youth played the game.
“The junior (level) is the most significant growth since 2019,” LaRocca said. “(We are) investing in the future of golf for today’s juniors to have an easier pathway.”
Growing golf among Newport’s youth
First Tee, a youth golf association working under FabNewport, was recognized in March as an official chapter and has close to 100 members in less than five months, according to Executive Director Steve Heath.
Heath said FabNewport began as an organization aiming to improve educational opportunities for area youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) when it was founded in 2013.
Over the years, FabNewport’s scope expanded to provide other activities for youth, such as surfing, sailing and golf, among other activities.
Heath said many youngsters, especially in the north side of the city, don’t get the same opportunities to engage in these activities.
“Kids are excited about playing the game and we have PGA junior league, First Tee programming and close to 100 kids involved in Newport County,” Heath said this week.
Heath said FabNewport is concerned about developing the character and social skills of youth and golf is one means to that end.
“Most people’s lives revolve around the qualities of their relationships and golf can be played with people of different backgrounds,” Heath said.
The USGA applauded First Tee’s efforts with an IDEA grant (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) to help further those efforts.
Miller said the IDEA grant funding is directed toward providing transportation for kids from Rogers High School in Newport.
“Removing the barrier of no transportation/access to a golf course is a key step in connecting more youths to the game,” Miller said.