Maintaining the vow to “Make the golf community a better place in Ohio,” the Northern Ohio PGA Foundation will outfit 22 high schools in Northern Ohio with new equipment for the 2026 scholastic golf season.
On May 13th at Westfield Country Club, the coaches of those schools will be part of the Foundation’s “Clubs Fore Kids” program in which the Foundation will donate 120 sets of clubs, along with golf bags, balls, tees and towels.
This marks the fifth consecutive year for the program that not only provides top-grade equipment but may open the door to the game for many youngsters. In 2024, 18 schools and 114 young players were the recipients. In 2025, 20 schools and 133 juniors received clubs.
Foundation Director Danielle Monas says “Clubs Fore Kids is about far more than equipment, it’s about opportunity. For many student-athletes, having access to properly fit clubs and golf essentials can be the difference between trying the game for the first time or sitting on the sidelines. We’re proud to partner with these schools to help remove barriers and create a pathway for more young people to experience the game of golf.”
The presentation on the practice range at Westfield Country Club will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. The coaches from the designated schools will be on hand for a skills clinic and rules of golf presentation by NOPGA members to help prepare them as coaches.
The 22 schools receiving clubs are:
Ada Boys — Coach Todd Schmidt
Brush Boys — Coach Mike Medve
Canton McKinley Girls — Coach Beth McClain
Cardington-Lincoln Boys — Coach Joel Nichols
East Canton Boys — Coach Alan Petroli
East Canton Girls — Coach Jarett Ryder
Ellet CLC Girls — Coach John DiDonato
Ellet High School Boys — Coach Kevin Lance
Fremont Ross Girls — Coach Nicole Kulasa
Fremont Ross Boys — Coach Douglas Curran
McDonald Boys — Coach Matt Vukovic
Newton Falls Boys — Coach Chad Rankin
Northwood Boys — Coach John Poddany
Ravenna Boys — Coach Terry Kekic
Triway Girls — Coach Jay Winans
Wellsville Boys — Coach John Stoakes
Lorain Boys — Coach John Akosi
Minerva Girls — Coach Kenny Beaumariage
Buckeye Girls — Coach Nick Shea
Jackson-Milton Girls — Coach Brian Jackson
Niles McKinley Girls — Coach Abbey Chieffo
Firestone CLC Boys — Coach Scott Westphal
The Clubs Fore Kids initiative is just one of many ways the NOPGA Foundation gives back to the community. Other programs the Foundation conducts are:
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere): Offers 6–weeks of free golf instruction to military veterans, taught by PGA Professionals, followed by ongoing Play Days to help graduates stay connected and continue enjoying the game. The third PGA Hope Cup takes place August 5th at the Signature of Solon Country Club.
Birdies & Charity: Now in its seventh year, NOPGA members solicit pledges for the number of birdies they can make in a day. The event has raised more than $700,000 since 2020. This year the event will be played at the Country Club of Hudson on September 21.
Junior Tour Financial Assistance: Helps cover the cost of tournament registration fees for families in need, ensuring all juniors can participate in competitive golf events. Each year more than $10,000 of aid is provided to Northern Ohio PGA Junior Tour members.
Scholarship Program: Awards annual scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate involvement in golf, strong academics, leadership, and character. 2025 recipients will be announced at Walden on September 10th for the annual Scholarship Day.
Grants to Schools & Community Programs: Supports golf-based organizations with funding to grow the game, expand access, and provide resources to underserved golf programs.
“The Northern Ohio PGA Foundation is committed to creating meaningful impact throughout our communities by using golf as a platform to serve others,” said Executive Director David Griffith. “Through programs that support youth, veterans, scholarships, and access to the game, the Foundation continues to strengthen lives and provide opportunities that extend well beyond the golf course.”
