growing the game
By Mike May
PHIT America Introduces Kids to the Basics of Golf
Physical inactivity among U.S. children is sad, alarming, and, yet, reversible. The statistical figures on physical inactivity for U.S. children are attentiongetting. American kids are ranked last in physical health in a UNICEF global study of 38 developed nations. Inexcusably, more than 75 percent of U.S. children are not physically active at least three days a week. Additionally, the results of a recent global fitness study conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveal that U.S. children rank 47th out of 50 countries in worldwide fitness. And, more than 90 percent of U.S. children are not active to CDC physical activity standards. To that end, national non-profit PHIT America is dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of at least 50 million U.S. children. When fully implemented, this plan will play a pivotal role in beating the Inactivity Pandemic that’s impact36
ing both the U.S. and the world. To combat physical inactivity, PHIT America (www.PHITAmerica.org) has created AMPED, an in-school/afterschool fitness program for students. AMPED is a running/walking program that gets kids physically active. A new component of AMPED is PLAY GOLF, which introduces children to golf. PHIT America’s main partner for PLAY GOLF will be the Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation, which will provide elementary school-age children with introductory golf skills through fun, game-based curriculum and age-appropriate golf equipment. “We are excited to partner with the Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation and we will introduce more kids to a life of physical activity through our core program, AMPED, and then teach them the basics of golf through our PLAY GOLF program,” said PHIT America Founder Jim Baugh. “The Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation and PHIT
America are building new opportunities for the golf pathway and getting kids active in golf for lifelong health.” The Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation (www.paynestewart.org) is delighted to be working with PHIT America. “Golf is such a fabulous sport for young kids to learn basic physical activity and life skills and they have so much fun in our program,” said Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation Founder Kelly McCammon. “Through the support of our Foundation, the PLAY GOLF program is a new opportunity to expose young kids to a sport not often found in the recreation space. We want to go wherever kids are playing and give them a pathway to be active for life.” Schools can apply for these free programs – AMPED and PLAY GOLF -- at PROGRAMS.PHIT.America.org. Contact PHIT America’s Jim Baugh (Jim@PHITAmerica.org) for additional questions. Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 4
