Golf can be a tough game to break into, especially when the price of quality clubs keeps many young players off the course. But the Northern Ohio PGA is stepping up to change that, making the sport more accessible for local high school students.

For the sixth consecutive year, the organization is hosting its Clubs Fore Kids program, a community-driven initiative that will distribute 132 sets of golf clubs to high school programs across the region. This year's event took place May 13 at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, bringing together coaches, students, and golf industry professionals for a day focused on growing the game.

David Griffith, executive director of the PGA of Northeast Ohio, kicked off the event with an introduction that highlighted the program's mission: removing economic barriers to golf. "We want every kid to have a fair shot at falling in love with this game," Griffith said during the ceremony.

The event featured hands-on demonstrations, including a golf performance analysis device presented by Bryce Doughty of Rapsodo Sports Performance & Analytics Technology, giving students and coaches a glimpse into modern training tools. Danielle Monas, foundation director of the Northeast Ohio PGA, also met with area high school golf coaches to discuss how the donated equipment can help build stronger programs.

Attendees like Peyton Hodovan, a Northwest High School 10th grader, and Kensington Blowers, a 6th-grader, were already putting the new gear to use, hitting balls on the driving range. Jenn Creech, owner of Golf Dome in Chagrin Falls, offered putting instruction, ensuring students got expert guidance alongside their new clubs.

For young golfers eager to improve their game, the Clubs Fore Kids program isn't just about equipment—it's about opening doors. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picking up a club for the first time, having the right gear can make all the difference. And with initiatives like this, the future of golf in Northeast Ohio is looking brighter than ever.