Golf Canada today announced that PGA Tour star Graham DeLaet is becoming an ambassador for the organization’s Golf in Schools, a program aimed at increasing interest in golf in Canada.
“I never had the opportunity to pick up a golf club in school and I think it is a cool thing for kids,” DeLaet, from Weyburn, Sask., said on a conference call today.
“Getting clubs in kid’s hands is the only way to grow this game. It is not about getting more players on the PGA Tour or anything. It is about getting the participation numbers up starting at a young age and showing it in schools.”
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DeLaet is the top-ranked Canadian on the PGA Tour, at 86 in the world.
He’ll appear in Golf in Schools promotional materials — including learning resources and videos in addition to hosting a Golf in Schools junior clinic during the fall to raise excitement in the sport as students head back to school.
As part of his relationship with Golf in Schools, DeLaet will also raise money through his charitable organization, the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation, to adopt schools into the program in communities across Canada.
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Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer, said having a player of DeLaet’s stature involved with the program will increase interest.
“From our standpoint this is just a fantastic addition to what we already perceive is a great program,” said Thompson.
“Having someone of Graham’s stature, a hero in our sport, will do a lot to inspire children to pick up a golf club and engage in the sport. It says a lot in Graham’s interest in growing golf participation in this country.”
Golf in Schools is currently offered in 2,400 elementary schools in Canada and close to 300 secondary schools, with a basic introduction to the sport in physical education programs. It was launched in 2009 and is conducted by Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and provincial golf associations.
According to recent studies, golf is Canada’s top participation sport.
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But changes in demographics have led interest to flatten. DeLaet’s support of the program dates back to last year, when he donated $1 per Twitter follower (@Fore_Kids) to Golf in Schools.
DeLaet said he hopes to be personally involved in the program, perhaps dropping into schools in his native Saskatchewan. DeLaet will have a lot on his plate—he and his wife, Ruby, are expecting twins in December.
“I’d love to pop into schools, hopefully in Weyburn in my hometown,” he said. “Being around it … is important to us.”
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