Copyright Athlon Sports
I started the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development in 2010 because I wanted to give young golfers opportunities they wouldn’t get otherwise. We began as a 501c3 non-profit under the Amateur Athletic Union. Today, we’re the Breakthrough Golf Alliance, and our mission is more focused than ever: make sure money never stops talented kids from reaching their potential in golf. A Journey of Growth and Evolution In the beginning, Little Linksters worked with young golfers across all ability levels and ages. If a kid wanted to learn golf, we helped them. Simple as that. We introduced as many young people as possible to the game and supported their development from day one. Those early years brought us some incredible supporters who believed in what we were building. Jack Nicklaus lent his name and resources to our cause. So did PGA Tour champion Keegan Bradley. The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation gave us support that proved essential to expanding our reach. These partnerships didn’t just help us grow. They told us the golf community recognized something important in our work. Then we started noticing a pattern. Year after year, we met talented young athletes who had everything it takes to compete at higher levels. The skill was there. So was the dedication and passion. But they hit a wall anyway: cost. These weren’t beginners. They were exceptional players, typically 13 or older, who’d already proven what they could do. They just couldn’t afford tournament fees, travel to showcases, coaching, equipment — all the things you need to take your game to the next level. That’s when everything shifted for us. A New Chapter: Independence and Refined Purpose We separated from the AAU in early 2025 and became our own independent 501c3 nonprofit. This wasn’t just paperwork. It was about refining what we stood for. Operating independently meant we could zero in on the specific problem we’d been watching unfold: financial barriers blocking talented young golfers from competition. In May 2025, we created our DBA, “The Breakthrough Golf Alliance,” as the operating name for the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development. The name says exactly what we do. “Breakthrough” is about removing those financial walls. “Alliance” captures how we work: through partnership and community. The original spirit of Little Linksters hasn’t gone anywhere. We’re still driven by that same commitment from 2010. But we’ve gotten more precise about where we direct our energy. Instead of trying to serve everyone, we focus our resources on talented golfers 13 and up who’ve demonstrated real ability but can’t afford to compete or showcase their skills. Here’s what we believe: your bank account shouldn’t decide whether you succeed in golf. We provide targeted support, resources, and opportunities so promising athletes can get past financial barriers and chase their goals. Talent matters. Dedication matters. Passion matters. Money shouldn’t. The Alliance Cup Charity Scramble: Our Inaugural Fundraising Event Our first Alliance Cup Charity Scramble happens Saturday, January 24, 2026. It’s a fundraiser, yes, but it’s also a celebration — a way for the golf community to rally around young athletes who need backing. Taino Golf is our presenting partner, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. They’re a brand where culture meets the fairway and family bonds take shape on the green. Four family members founded Taino Golf out of deep love for their roots and passion for the game. They’re not just selling apparel. They’re celebrating strength, passion, and pride through their work. Their mission brings together golf and the richness of Taino culture. Every piece of apparel embodies Familia and Tradición. Their connection to the Latino/Hispanic community and island heritage shows up in every design. Like us, Taino Golf believes golf should be for everyone, no matter their background. That’s why this partnership works. We share the same vision about inclusivity and breaking down barriers. How You Can Make a Difference The Alliance Cup Charity Scramble only succeeds if our community shows up. We need players and foursomes for what’s going to be a great day of golf. Maybe you’re serious about your game. Maybe you just want to support the cause while spending time on the course. Either way, we want you there. Sponsors matter too. We’re offering several sponsorship levels that let businesses and individuals demonstrate their commitment to youth development and equal opportunity. You get visibility in the community. We get resources to help talented young golfers overcome financial barriers. Everybody wins. We’re also gathering items for a silent auction during the event. If you can donate items, experiences, or services, that contribution goes straight toward helping deserving young athletes. Looking Forward Fifteen years into this work, I’m grateful for where we’ve been and energized about where we’re headed. The Breakthrough Golf Alliance proves what happens when a community commits to equal opportunity and believes in what golf can do for young people. We’re holding onto our founding principles while staying responsive to what today’s young golfers actually need. January 24, 2026, kicks off this new chapter with the Alliance Cup Charity Scramble. Join us. Let’s make sure every talented young golfer gets their shot at reaching their potential, no matter what their financial situation looks like.
