Our Story

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The Kids First Golf Foundation was born out of a simple belief: every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the chance to discover their passion, develop their potential, and reach for their dreams. Our founders, Mike Mandakas and Chris Miller, have witnessed firsthand how introducing and developing skills in golf can shape lives. We believe that golf is more than just a sport; it's a powerful tool for personal development, discipline, and community-building. Our goal is to create a pathway for every player to grow, compete, and excel both on and off the course.

As professionals, we recognized that golf offers more than just technical skills; it nurtures essential qualities and a mindset that transcend sports. The commitment to improvement, the patience to refine one's game, and the respect for rules and others all translate into personal character and self-respect. These values become a part of how individuals carry themselves, enriching their lives well beyond the course.

Seeing the transformative power of golf, our founders felt compelled to share these experiences with youth who may not otherwise have access to the sport. The Kids First Golf Foundation was created to bridge this gap, providing young people with not only the opportunity to play golf but also the mentorship, support, and life skills that come with it. We’re dedicated to helping youth, from elementary school through college and into professional golf, discover the world of golf while gaining invaluable insights and building strong character.

We provide young players with enriching experiences and connections within the golf community through our programs, mentorships, internships, scholarships, and challenge-reward initiatives. Our mission goes beyond teaching golf; we’re here to foster a sense of belonging, encourage academic and career aspirations, and inspire kids to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.

We are passionate about introducing the game of golf to the next generation. Through accessible programs, junior golf clinics, and mentorship, we aim to cultivate a strong foundation for youth players, building their skills and confidence early on. Our initiatives emphasize not only technical skill development but also the values of integrity, respect, and perseverance that make golf unique. We strive to make golf an inclusive and welcoming sport for kids of all backgrounds, giving them the tools to succeed both in the game and in life.

For high school and college players, we provide advanced training opportunities, scholarships, and competition experiences that elevate their game to the next level. Our foundation works closely with schools, coaches, and golf programs to offer resources that help young athletes navigate the challenges of competitive golf, balancing academics and athletics, and preparing for college recruitment or professional opportunities. We aim to guide these players toward reaching their full potential—whether it’s earning a scholarship, competing at national tournaments, or pursuing their passion as a career.

For those who aspire to play at the highest levels, we offer support to professional golfers by providing funding, training resources, and a network of mentors who understand the unique challenges of the professional golf circuit. Our mission is to help these athletes continue to develop their game, manage the pressures of professional competition, and achieve their career goals, whether it’s making it to the PGA Tour or excelling in other international golf arenas. We are committed to supporting the next generation of golf professionals and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.