Our Mission
Dream to Golf
Golf is a game for dreamers. Golfers set up on the first tee dreaming of going low. Every par 3 brings the dream of the elusive hole-in-one. Even a bad approach shot can set up the dream of sinking a 30 foot putt. For The Quest, the dream is to play Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Courses in the US.
While we chase our dream, we want to create an opportunity for more people to become dreamers. To do so, we are partnering with The First Tee of Greater Washington D.C. to fund equipment, training, and outreach to increase opportunities for children with special needs to play golf.
While golfers are dreamers, golf is reality. The low round you were dreaming of sails away as you hook that first tee shot into the woods. The hole-in-one becomes a distant memory as you duff the 6-iron on the par 3 into the water. That 30 foot putt that was tracking the whole way lips out. Yet, improbably, golfers continue to dream. What could explain this?
Maybe it is the feeling you get when that putt does fall. Maybe it’s just great to be outside surrounded by natural beauty. Maybe it is the people you meet, the relationships you build, and the memories you create along the way. Or maybe golfers are just the right amount of crazy. Whatever it is, follow along with The Quest, and keep dreaming.
“It is well known that participation in sports has widespread benefits for kids. Golf is unique because exceptional kids can be on a level playing field.”
Why is this important?
Golf can be enjoyed by just about anyone, but the barriers to access can be impossible for many. The First Tee has already expanded the game of golf significantly, however there is not a targeted effort to expand accessibility to children with special needs. One barrier to access is specialized equipment that can be prohibitively expensive for children with physical limitations. For children with social-emotional or behavioral needs, additional training and staff would open new opportunities. Finally, families are often unaware of the benefits that golf can have for children with special needs. The money we raise will enable The First Tee to be intentional in its programming for kids with special needs.
We believe that our unique goal will raise awareness for the challenges facing aspiring golfers with special needs and inspire the support of golfers everywhere. With your help, everyone can turn golf dreams into reality.
“Sports like track, swimming, golf and tennis may be ideal for kids with disabilities who may not have the emotional wherewithal to handle the compromises and disappointments of a team effort, but can focus more on their own performance—besting their own time, improving their own score, or competing against a single opponent.”
How does it work?
We are raising awareness for our cause by attempting to do something that few people have ever done, play America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses as ranked by Golf Digest. People will pledge donations for each course we play. At the end of each year (every July) we will ask that donations be made directly to The First Tee of Greater Washington DC based on the pledged amount. We will also be collecting one time donations on a rolling basis. That money will be exclusively for providing opportunities for golfers with special needs. Our goal is to play about 20 courses per year, and complete The Quest by July, 2025.