Urban Golf of Greater St. Louis (UGOLF) is preparing youth in Urban St. Louis to be successful beyond high school and exposing them to the vast community of golf. Founder Jerome Harris has secured partnerships and support from Gateway PGA Reach, Nike and the St. Louis Public School District. He opened the first UGOLF classroom in Clyde Miller Academy on North Grand in Fall 2021.
This 2021-22 school year, UGOLF has 40 high school students participating in after-school programming twice weekly. Mr. Harris works with these students to build connection, trust and mentorship while introducing golf instruction, sportsmanship and exposing these teens to new possibilities. He is also collaborating with teachers to tie golf benefits into classroom curricula and introduce various career paths connected to the game of golf. With the support of his Partner organizations, Harris plans to expand UGOLF across all SLPS schools.
UGOLF’s impact directly aligns with the Club’s civic engagement mission to prioritize community partnerships that positively shape the growth and success of the city of St. Louis, especially programs targeting the city’s youth.
Golf Equipment Drive to Support UGOLF
Donate used golf clubs to build confidence!
Not only does UGOLF introduce the game of golf and basic golf instruction to students, but Mr. Harris makes sure that each student has access to their own set of golf clubs. Having a properly fitting set of clubs makes all the difference in your golf swing and performance on the course, not to mention the impact it has on your game-play confidence and mental focus. All used golf clubs are professionally re-fitted for UGOLF students and the mechanics of the refurbishment process are incorporated into UGOLF programming to truly expose students to all aspects of the game. Bring in your used golf clubs, and we will donate them to UGOLF! Deliver to either Clubhouse’s Membership office anytime throughout the 2022 golf season.
Help provide supplemental golf equipment to encourage beginner interest in the game!
During PE classes at Clyde Miller Academy, high school students are exposed to basic golf instruction because of the school’s collaboration with UGOLF. Mr. Harris continues this instruction through his after school and summer programing. Many of his students are learning about golf for the very first time. Exposing them to how much fun the game of golf can be through the use of inflatable equipment, birdie ball and snag ball equipment, helps get them interested, comfortable and curious for more.
We invite you to consider making a contribution to help purchase equipment to introduce basic golf instruction to UGOLF Students.
For more details on how you can assist with golf equipment needs, please contact Kara Kelpe, Membership Development Executive at kkelpe@mac-stl.org or 314-539-4408.
Share Your Time And Grow the Game
MAC Member Alex Brockman is a “Champion” with UGOLF enthusiastically supporting its programming and providing mentorship to students like Lee Curtis.
In addition to introducing golf instruction, Mr. Harris and UGOLF Champions connect with these students to build trust, provide mentorship and introduce them to possibilities outside of their immediate boundaries. During Spring Break and Summer Break, UGOLF organizes college visits for participating students. They have travelled locally and also ventured to visit campuses like LSU – a truly unique opportunity for these teenagers to see a possible future beyond high school.
Look for more details on upcoming ways to connect one-on-one with UGOLF students over a shared interest in the game of golf. Giving of your time through conversation, through on-course play, or by becoming a UGOLF Champion will have a profound impact on the lives of these students far beyond the game of golf.
To learn more about connecting with UGOLF Students, please contact Kara Kelpe at kkelpe@mac-stl.org or 314-539-4408
How You Can Help
Donate equipment
The program uses Birdie Ball equipment to help with training. They are in need of:
- 30” Clubs – Quantity needed: 30 – $17 per club
- Soft Birdie Balls – Quantity needed: one pack – $150 for 100 balls
- Birdie Foam Balls – Quantity needed: 100 – $0.60 per ball
- Birdie Ball Six-Hole Set – Quantity needed: one – $659
- Birdie Ball Nine-Hole Field Set – Physical education golf instruction package – $1,199.99
- Five Birdie Ball Inflatables
- Rex – $4,400
- Air Target – $2,700 x 5 = $13,500
Visit the Birdie Ball site
Fore Greater Golf Classic - September 20, 2022
The Fore Greater Golf Classic is a tournament geared towards raising funds to fulfill a greater need for representation of young Black leadership, as well as a strategic plan to grow the game of golf in urban areas in St. Louis and beyond.
All proceeds fully support students with college scholarships & educational services. UGOLFSTL would love your support in this year's tournament.
Learn more and register
