When it comes to the world of golf, there are many barriers that need to be overcome to make the sport readily available for everyone. One of the major hurdles for athletes is the cost. Not only the cost to get a tee time but all the equipment that goes along with a round of golf. In Garden City, Kansas, the Finney County Convention and Visitor Bureau, in partnership with the Garden City Charity Classic at Buffalo Dunes, is doing its part to help cut down the cost of golf for local girls' high school golf teams in the "Wild West Area," the 22 counties of Southwest Kansas.
In those 22 counties, there are 13 girls' golf teams that the Garden City Charity Classic directly impacts. The charities do not regulate the money, meaning the teams can spend it where it is most needed for their group.
"They know what they need; it is not for us to regulate," said Finney County CVB Executive Director Roxanne Lansink. "We want to expose as many kids as we can to golf because I believe sports are a good comparison for life. Life isn't always fair, and neither are sports. It is a great opportunity for kids to get exposed to the rules of the world early on, without much fallback."
The unique part is the players get to directly see the girls they are helping. In addition, many local teams come out to help with the tournament and participate in clinics led by Epson Tour players.
"I don't think the players truly realize how much of an impact they have on the girls," said Lansink. "The [Epson Tour] athletes have a large impact on their teams. The local golf coaches tell me it is amazing how much better their game gets after time with the pros."
The initiative started with eight teams and has now grown to 13 teams. The money each team will receive varies, but in 2022, $18,000 was raised for the programs. The 2023 Garden City Charity Classic at Buffalo Dunes will look to surpass that number and continue to grow.
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