WORLD GOLF FOUNDATION INC
Our mission is to unite the golf industry around initiatives that promote, enhance the growth of and provide access to the game worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others.
About WORLD GOLF FOUNDATION INC
World Golf Foundation (WGF) is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization based in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, that brings together the golf industry to advance growth, access and preservation of the game. WGF oversees signature programs and initiatives including First Tee (youth development), the World Golf Hall of Fame, and industry-wide research and advocacy efforts. In recent years WGF has focused on expanding youth access and industry stewardship through partnerships, national awareness campaigns and research (including the American Golf Industry Coalition/NGF economic study). The foundation operates as a donor-facing, grant-making and programmatic organization that supports local chapters, national initiatives and cross-industry collaborations to increase participation and diversity in golf.
Notable achievements
Founded and scaled First Tee (youth development)
WGF launched and continues to operate First Tee, a national youth development network that integrates golf with life-skills education. The First Tee network has grown to roughly 150 chapters and reaches participants through thousands of golf courses, schools and youth centers, serving millions of young people since its 1997 founding and reporting multi-million participant reach figures in recent years.
2022 U.S. Golf Economy report (industry research)
Under WGF leadership and in partnership with the American Golf Industry Coalition and the National Golf Foundation, the industry-commissioned 2022 economic study quantified golf’s economic footprint in the U.S. (reporting roughly $101.7 billion in direct economic activity and broad employment impact), providing a contemporary evidence base for advocacy and local economic planning.
Multi‑million grantmaking and partnership support
In the last several years WGF has directed multi‑million dollar grants and programmatic support to First Tee chapters and other industry initiatives, and has leveraged partnerships with major golf organizations and corporate donors to expand programming, coach development and national participant opportunities.
At a glance
- Total assets
- $9.1M
- Tax status
- 501(c)(3)Public charity
- EIN
- 59-2998925
- Location
- Ponte Vedra, FL
- Website
- www.worldgolffoundation.org
- On Mahalo since
- September 2026
Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.
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