How Golf Transformed My Life: A Call to Action for Building Stronger Communities Through GPS

When I founded Golf Program in Schools (GPS), Inc., it was more than just about teaching kids how to play golf—it was about using the game to open doors, teach valuable life lessons, and create opportunities for kids from all walks of life. Golf has a way of teaching values like honesty, discipline, and perseverance, but for me, it also did something extraordinary: it transformed my entire life. I’ve been fortunate to have golf as a cornerstone of my career, and now, through GPS, I’m working to ensure that young people across the country have the same opportunities.

I was introduced to golf in an unexpected way. I was working as a carpenter, hired by three contractors. These men not only hired me for work but invited me to play golf with them. After the round, they invited me to sit down and talk—and it was during that conversation that my life changed. They offered me the chance to become their contractor as they transitioned into developers. Golf opened doors for me that I never could have imagined.

Just three years later, at the age of 27, I retired with my financial plan fulfilled, thanks to the opportunities and relationships golf brought into my life. Golf was very good for me, and now I have the privilege of owning a golf course. It’s only natural that I want to give back and create similar life-changing opportunities for young people today.:

The mission of GPS is simple but powerful: to introduce K-12 gym students to golf and, through the sport, teach them life lessons of Courtesy, Respect, Honesty, and Integrity. We aim to put them on their right P-A-T-H: Perseverance leads to Achievement, in a sport with no referee that fosters Trustworthiness—all within a Healthy environment. Beyond the game itself, we are also opening doors to scholarships, career opportunities, and life skills that will benefit these students well into adulthood.

Already, GPS has introduced over 48,500 students to golf in the greater Phoenix area. By partnering with local courses like Sun City Country Club, we’ve not only increased participation in the sport but also helped boost revenue for our host course by over 60% in just five years. Through our monthly community fun days—where PGA professionals offer free lessons to kids and families—golf is becoming a powerful force for good in our local community.

Golf taught me valuable lessons that shaped my personal and professional success. Now, I’m committed to giving those same opportunities to kids who might otherwise never have the chance to set foot on a golf course.

The success of GPS is only possible through the support of people like you. If you believe in the transformative power of sports, there are numerous ways you can make a difference in the lives of students.

Here’s how you can help:

· Sponsor a Golf Course: Golf courses across the country can become GPS host sites, offering kids access to facilities while boosting community involvement and revenue.

· Fund Scholarships: Help provide scholarships for kids who want to learn and play golf but may not have the means to participate.

· Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s mentoring students, helping out at events, or providing golf lessons, your time can have a lasting impact.

· Spread the Word: Share our story with your network and help us expand GPS’s reach.

My life was changed by golf, and it’s my mission to help others experience the same kind of life transformation. GPS is about more than just introducing kids to a sport—it’s about creating pathways to success, building stronger communities, and teaching values that last a lifetime.

I invite you to join me in this mission. Whether you want to volunteer, sponsor, or simply share our story, your involvement can help us change the lives of millions of students. Together, we can help put these kids on their right P-A-T-H and make golf a force for good in their lives and in our communities. -tom