Golf is unlike a lot of sports in the degree its players and events give back to local communities. Proceeds of almost every professional golf tournament go to local charities, professionals start their own foundations, organizers begin with a premise of altruism, amateurs participate in fundraisers and clinics, giving their time and talents and drawing attention to good causes.

Such was the case in Kane County on Wednesday, when members of the 2015 U.S. and European Palmer Cup teams took some time to give back to the Sugar Grove community and the state at large. All 20 players and four coaches took part in the Palmer Cup Junior Clinic Presented by Northern Trust along with more than 130 participants of the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois.

“It was Mr. Palmer’s vision 19 years ago when he started the Palmer Cup, to have an event that allowed the players to develop both on and off the course,” said Rich Harvest Farms’ Tournament Director, Vicky McGowan. “By giving the players the chance to interact with the kids in a personal clinic environment, they were able to see that their impact this week will reach far beyond what they shoot out on the course. We are also very thankful to Northern Trust for helping us bring this clinic to life.”

Through the use of SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment, one of the main components of KGF programs, the kids were able to hone their golf skills while learning from the best collegiate players from around the world.  Stations included full swing, chipping and putting as well as life skill stations including nutrition and sportsmanship and Wally Armstrong training aids.

The Kids Golf Foundation is a statewide junior golf association that offers and supports several golf programs and events designed to introduce children between the ages of 5 and 17 to the sport of golf, its fundamentals, rules, history, etiquette, life lessons, and more. The Foundation is one of the largest junior golf organizations in the state. The Foundation’s mission is bring the sport of golf into the lives of children and providing them with opportunities for personal growth and career enhancement.

“In the game of golf, things like fitness and good character are just as important as a long drive,” said Michala Mika, Director of the Kids Golf Foundation. “This event allowed the kids’ to not only learn firsthand from the players how to improve their skills, but also how exercise good etiquette off the course as well. The life skills are just as important as the golf skills in everything the Foundation does and it was great to have that translate into this clinic.”

After the clinic, each participant received a commemorative Palmer Cup Junior Clinic poster they could take through the autograph line to get it signed by each of the players.

“The Palmer Cup is in tune with everything we do at Rich Harvest Farms,” said Jerry Rich, President of Rich Harvest Farms. “Through our Kids Golf Foundation, caddie program and our commitment to amateur golf, we’ve been able to impact many amateurs through this great game. Arnold Palmer’s vision for bringing together highly talented collegiate players with the youth is a true culmination of what is the most important – growing the game.”

The 2015 Palmer Cup will be played June 12-14 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL. The Ryder Cup-style event pits the top European-born collegiate golfers against the best American-born collegiate players in a tournament to honor the tremendous legacy of Arnold Palmer.

Both general admission and parking at the event will be free of charge. Spectators will also be able to walk the fairways with the players during the tournament.  For more information on the tournament, please visit palmercup.org or richharvestfarms.com.

SOURCE: Rich Harvest Farms press release