Golfdom, April 2016
Sweet Off the street and onto the green Button Hole located in Providence R I is a non profit initiative with a noble cause to enrich the lives of youths by providing facilities and programs that develop strong character teach values and champion success through golf Young people learn lessons about honesty humility and perseverance while gaining respect for the environment and their neighborhood Prior to becoming a par 3 course the 26 acre site was a crime ridden eyesore in the middle of two housing projects a sand pit rutted by dirt bikes and littered with junk cars In 1997 David Fay former executive director of the United States Golf Association suggested building a short course for kids in Rhode Island The Rhode Island Golf Association donated 5000 for the initial feasibility study the state gave a preliminary 99 year lease for 1 a year the USGA committed 220000 to the project and the USGA Foundation and builder Jack Marshall donated funds to the project Opened in 2001 Button Hole has now touched the lives of more than 15000 kids The course sees 9000 rounds a year The facility is open to the public but closes in the afternoons for after school programs Continued on page 26 April 2016 Golfdom 25 Golfdom com
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