Oklahoma City, October 13, 2025

A new junior golf academy at Lincoln Park Golf Course aims to introduce 200 children in Oklahoma City to golf over the next year. Funded by a state grant, the program offers free clinics starting next month, led by PGA professional Tom Harris. Focused on inclusivity and skill development, the initiative seeks to engage youth from diverse backgrounds and expand participation in the sport.

Oklahoma City

In Oklahoma City, a new junior golf academy is set to launch at Lincoln Park Golf Course, targeting 200 children to introduce them to the sport over the next year. Funded entirely by a state grant, the program will offer free clinics beginning next month, led by PGA professional instructor Tom Harris. This initiative focuses on inclusivity and skill development to boost youth participation in golf within the state.

Program Details and Goals

The academy aims to make golf accessible to young participants from diverse backgrounds. With the state grant covering all costs, no fees will be charged for the clinics or introductory sessions. Tom Harris, an experienced PGA instructor, will oversee the curriculum, which emphasizes basic techniques, game enjoyment, and long-term skill building. The program plans to host weekly sessions at Lincoln Park Golf Course, starting in November, to accommodate the 200 kids expected to join.

Local enthusiasm is high, as community leaders view the academy as a vital step in expanding golf’s reach among Oklahoma youth. By providing structured yet fun learning opportunities, the initiative seeks to foster a new generation of players. The focus on inclusivity ensures that children from various socioeconomic groups can participate, helping to diversify the sport’s player base in the Sooner State.

Funding and Implementation

The state grant provides the financial backbone for the academy, enabling free access for all enrollees. This funding model removes common barriers to entry, such as equipment costs or lesson fees, which often deter young participants. Lincoln Park Golf Course, a public facility in Oklahoma City, serves as the ideal venue due to its accessibility and existing infrastructure for youth programs.

Tom Harris brings extensive expertise to the role, having coached junior golfers for years. His leadership will ensure that sessions are engaging and progressive, starting with fundamentals like grip, stance, and putting, then advancing to on-course play. The program’s one-year rollout includes ongoing evaluations to measure participation and skill improvements, with potential for expansion based on success.

Broader Impact on Youth Golf in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has seen steady interest in golf, but youth involvement has lagged in some areas. This academy addresses that gap by prioritizing early exposure and sustained engagement. Community support underscores the program’s potential to increase local golf participation, particularly among kids who might not otherwise try the sport. By rooting the initiative in a public course, it aligns with efforts to keep golf affordable and community-oriented.

The launch comes at a time when youth sports programs across the state are seeking innovative ways to attract participants. Golf, with its lifelong benefits for physical fitness and focus, stands to gain from such targeted outreach. As the clinics roll out next month, organizers expect quick enrollment, filling spots for the initial 200 children and setting the stage for broader adoption.

In the coming months, the academy will track metrics like attendance and retention to refine its approach. This data-driven method ensures the program remains effective in promoting skill development and inclusivity. For families in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, the opportunity offers a low-pressure entry into golf, potentially sparking lasting interest in the sport.

Background on Local Golf Initiatives

Lincoln Park Golf Course has long been a hub for recreational golf in Oklahoma City, hosting various events and lessons. The addition of this junior academy builds on that tradition, leveraging the course’s facilities for youth-focused activities. State-level support through grants reflects a growing recognition of sports as tools for youth development, with golf highlighted for its emphasis on discipline and outdoor activity.

PGA professionals like Tom Harris play a key role in such programs, bridging professional standards with beginner-friendly instruction. The academy’s structure draws from successful models elsewhere, adapted to Oklahoma’s community needs. As it launches, the initiative joins other efforts to grow golf’s footprint, ensuring the sport remains vibrant for future generations in the region.

Overall, this development marks a proactive step toward inclusivity in Oklahoma golf. With free access and expert guidance, the program positions itself to make a tangible difference for 200 young participants, contributing to the state’s sporting landscape.

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Author: HERE OKLAHOMA CITY