Open Fairways was founded in 1999 in the State of Colorado after discovering a need and an opportunity to give at-risk and under privileged children the chance to experience the game of golf and the life skills it teaches. A backyard operation during its first year, Open Fairways served 50 youth.
By 2005, Open Fairways reached over 900 youth and by 2006, Open Fairways grew by nearly 50% to improve the lives of just under 1,500 youth in need through the game of golf. In 2006, Open Fairways introduced its Indoor Front 9 program serving over 300 youth in Denver Public Schools.
In 2007, Open Fairways made a difference in the lives of 2,000 youth in 6 target markets including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Washington D.C., Texas and New Mexico, bringing our eight year total to 7,500 youth.
2008 is bringing new program amenities for all participants. Open Fairways has launched a Caddying Focused Mentoring Program and a Career Opportunities Program. These programs build upon the life lessons of the Front 9 and Back 9 Programs and provide a means for the children to utilize and grow from the golf and relationship skills they have developed.