Underrated golf believes that all people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity or gender, should have the access and resources they need to play golf. Our work is dedicated to creating initiatives for youth who have demonstrated leadership on and off the course and have overcome personal adversity or family hardship, to pursue the sport, and realize their potential. We pay special attention to those individuals at the high school level, where a student-athlete’s ability first catches the attention of college and professional institutions. Why? Because, it is at this time in a young golfer’s life that the sport begins to shape the kinds of opportunities they are offered, and in turn, positively impact their future on and off the course.

Our promises through Underrated Golf are clearly defined. We promise this special program will focus on making the game of golf more inclusive by broadening the playing field for those who have demonstrated leadership on and off the golf course and overcome personal adversity or family hardship. We promise our efforts will equally support all genders of student-athletes, with invitations to compete in our tour and championships, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to play. We promise to shine a light on the untapped talents that the game of golf has yet to see on the fairway. We promise to hold ourselves accountable.

Many golfers today come from privileged backgrounds. Underrated Golf is working to change this reality with a goal of creating a more inclusive game by broadening participation amongst those who have demonstrated leadership on and off the golf course and have overcome personal adversity or family hardship to better reflect our society.

The biggest hurdle we are up against is the lack of access many youth have to golf courses, and equipment due to the high cost of green fees, as well as the private and members-only nature of many golf facilities. This is the most finite barrier to the sport for many student-athletes, as early on in their development, they are not given the chance to pick up a golf club and play. But, it does not stop there. The lack of access compounds over an individual’s lifetime, resulting in less opportunity. Golf is a major catalyst for making friends, and from there, building networks, developing influential relationships and nurturing business ideas and endeavors.

If the keys to the course are never shared then the inspiring and impactful opportunities that come with the game are never within reach for so many. Through Underrated Golf, we are committed to turning that key and opening doors for all youth to experience the joy of golf, and ultimately, the social and professional benefits of the sport without financial limits holding them back.

The access Underrated Golf provides young golfers is what leads to opportunity. This is what drives our programming and serves as our north star. We are opening doors for today’s youth to hone their golf skills in a safe and welcoming environment that allows them to prosper beyond the course. These opportunities come to life in the form of college scholarships, workforce development, seminars and team-building exercises, as well as career path counseling specific to the industry’s job market and beyond—as golf is such a powerful connector across every realm of the world.

We understand that what makes golf unique is how it multiplies into other endeavors and expands one’s potential off the course. Underrated Golf is uncovering and aligning opportunities for all youth with a gift for the sport, regardless of socioeconomic class, personal adversity or familial hardship, to practice, converse and gain wisdom from prominent industry figures. We are here to make that inclusive reality possible.