2022 Indiana Golf Foundation Invitational By Santana Shipley The Indiana Golf Foundation (IGF), founded in 1994, has established itself as a national leader in junior golf and has quickly become a role model for similar programs throughout the country. The Foundation started with the inception of an annual fundraiser that grew into the Foundation Invitational to support all IGF programs. These programs include a Scholarship Program that has awarded $600,000 and the Howard Bailey Junior Program, which reaches 1,200 youngsters annually through competitive events, and First Tee - Indiana. IGF took the First Tee under its umbrella in 2012, when the program had around 6,000 participants statewide. Currently, First Tee - Indiana reaches more than 100,000 young golfers in the state. The First Tee focuses on youth development and enables kids to build the strength of character to empower them through a lifetime of new challenges. First Tee integrates the game of golf into life skills curriculum, creating active learning experiences to build inner-strength, self-confidence, and resilience. IndianaGolf’sAnnual Foundation Invitational rotates between several elite Indiana courses; Crooked Stick Golf Club, Victoria National, Sycamore Hills Country Club, and the Pete Dye Course at French Lick, all host IGF events. The field is typically limited to 32 teams with a format of one-net best ball. This year alone, IGF raised $66,000, a large increase of $22,000 over the prior year. The IGF wants to give a HUGE thanks to all 32 teams, and 27 sponsors. “Being able to host this event at the four top exclusive courses in Indiana has allowed our Foundation to secure a great group of consistent supporters over the years,” said Autumn Strong, Indiana Golf’s Assistant Executive Director. “I have enjoyed seeing some of the same groups year after year that continue to support our growth with the Foundation and First Tee”. If you would like to help support junior golf in Indiana, you can donate at indianagolf.org/donate, or purchase a specialized First Tee - Indiana license plate through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
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