(left) The first foursome is on the new links course.  (right) Harrison tees off on #1)

Making golf accessible for non-traditional players is the primary goal of the first-ever Links Across America project, a universally accessible short course and golf practice facilitywhich opened on August 10th, 2010 at the Dundee Township Park District’s Randall Oaks Golf Course.

The Links Across America initiative creates new and affordable short courses (from three to nine holes) to provide golfing opportunities to young people, families and adult beginners of all ethnic backgrounds, in addition to individuals with disabilities or injuries.

“The Links Across America project will give us four holes plus a short-game practice area that is accessible to people with disabilities, and we are committed to making this a truly accessible facility,” added Randall Oaks superintendent Mike Sprouse. “We brought people in from disability groups during construction to make sure everything was accessible. We are creating a chance for people who might never get involved with the game to finally have that opportunity.”

Dundee Township is a member of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), whose 13 member agencies and townships direct individuals with special needs into recreational programs and other activities, according to Tom Mammoser, executive director of the Dundee Township Park District. Golfers with disabilities are one such special needs group.

Randall Oaks expects other non-traditional groups to use the new facility. The township has a longstanding relationship with the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Dundee Township, which have membership of 1,000 based out of nearby Carpentersville. “We see the Links course as a way to tie in with those clubs and expose the kids to golf,” Mammoser said. “The clubs are 60 percent Hispanic and 26 percent African-American. The Links Course will expose those youngsters to the game, as well, in a comfortable environment that is strong on teaching.”

Facts at a Glance

• Boys & Girl;s Clubs of Dundee Township serves over 400+ local, at-risk Club members, per day at six (6) BGC Unit locations within Carpentersville and the Dundee communities.

• .99 cents of every $1 donated to the BGC of Dundee Township goes directly towards supporting programs for Club members, meaning your gift is making an impact locally.

Every Club member participates in at least one (1) hour of “Power Hour” (homework assistance or quiet reading) per day!  The BGC of Dundee Township touched the lives of at-risk Club members over 240+ days in 2009, helping create positive study habits for all of our Club members, one hour at a time!