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Drive Fore The Future

Website

https://www.driveftf.org

Drive Fore The Future is a nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting accessibility to the game of golf, specifically for individuals and schools from lesser socioeconomic backgrounds. Through strategic collaborations with Callaway, Dunning and GolfTEC, as well as donations and initiatives, the foundation endeavors to provide resources, assistance and opportunities for individuals to engage in the game and reap its benefits. 

Drive Fore The Future was created in 2021 by Ryan French and Chris Gallagher. The idea began when brainstorming ideas on how to help young, aspiring athletes have access to the game of golf, despite economic disadvantages. Both Chris and Ryan grew up with the game of golf and wanted to give back to the game that gave them so much. They learned about honesty, etiquette, commitment, sportsmanship and dedication. They also learned to shake hands and network with those they had just met. Ryan and Chris believed that these were lifelong skills they learned at a young age and were able to use throughout their lives. 

Through their research, they discovered: 

  • 63 percent of public school sports budgets are stagnant or decreasing
  • High-poverty schools offer one-third fewer sports than low-poverty schools
  • There is a 25 percent participation gap between children of lower and higher income families
  • Parents in lowest-income families spend approximately four times less on their child’s sport than the wealthiest households

These conversations and research led Ryan and Chris to create the foundation, where they provide resources to golfers to help introduce and/or improve their golf game, as well as set them up for a successful path forward. Thus far, $328,000 of resources have been provided, 23 schools have been supported and 232 youth have been served. Drive Fore The Future continues to broaden its impact by nurturing inclusivity and empowerment within the golf community. 

To donate, become a partner, and learn more about the impact of Drive Fore The Future, check out their website and social media pages: https://www.driveftf.org/