Jimmy Kirchdorfer Provides Historic Pledged Gift to Kentucky Golf Foundation

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 7, 2022) – The Kentucky Golf Foundation has received its largest donation in history thanks to a $1 million pledged gift from Jimmy Kirchdorfer, CEO of ISCO Industries.

This historic moment will reshape many existing components within the KGF and introduce several exciting new features heading into the 2022 golf season in Kentucky. A significant portion of the gift will be dedicated to Youth on Course Kentucky initiatives. Youth on Course programs feature affordable golf access for junior golfers to over 60 Kentucky golf courses, allowing Youth on Course members to play golf for $5 or less. The Youth on Course Caddie Program supports participants up to age 18 with opportunities to caddie at select golf courses. Participants will earn money as a caddie, but more importantly, earn scholarship funds for completing varying levels of caddie loops. The scholarship money Kentucky’s youth earn by participating in the Caddie Program shall be renamed the Jimmy and Dana Kirchdorfer Scholarship.

The KGF’s largest fundraiser, the Youth on Course Kentucky Pro-Am, will now feature a title sponsorship from Kirchdorfer’s company, making the event known as the ISCO Industries Youth on Course Kentucky Pro-Am for its next six editions through 2027. The 2022 edition of this event will take place at Valhalla Golf Club on Monday, August 1. Registration for the tournament will become available this spring.

One of the key additions to Kirchdorfer’s contribution will be the introduction of two new internship positions at Golf House Kentucky. A person who receives one of these internships will be entitled the James J. Kirchdorfer Golf Fellow. These interns will dedicate most of their time during the summer towards Youth on Course administration and promotion as well as involvement in other aspects of Kentucky Junior Golf. The job descriptions for those positions will be made available soon.

Additionally, Kirchdorfer’s gift will support the PGA HOPE Kentucky program, providing golf instruction to Military Veterans at no cost. PGA HOPE Kentucky (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

“Every year, it becomes clearer to me how fortunate I was to have a father who put a golf club in my hand at a young age,” Kirchdorfer said. “The game has been so impactful in my life, and I am grateful to be able to share it with my own children. Unfortunately, not every child has that opportunity. I know this contribution will help make golf more accessible and inclusive throughout Kentucky.

The growth of our golf community is dependent on the next generation having access to programs like Youth on Course, which provides affordable golf, as well as caddie and scholarship opportunities. Kids who grow up passionate about golf gain life lessons that will carry through to adulthood. My wife Dana and I are proud to support the work that the Kentucky Golf Foundation is doing and we hope others will join us.”

"This is a signature moment for the Kentucky Golf Foundation and truly, Kentucky golf as a whole,” Craig Heibert, PGA Chairman of the Kentucky Golf Foundation explained. “This is a wonderful way to ring in the new year as we strive to continue introducing golf to those who have not had exposure to the sport and positively influence their lives through it. Our thanks to Jimmy for providing this gift cannot be overstated and we are tremendously appreciative for his support of the Foundation."

“In my 25 years in the golf business, I have not met anyone more passionate and committed to supporting golf than Jimmy Kirchdorfer,” Jeff Adkerson, PGA CEO/Executive Director at Golf House Kentucky stated. “This historic gift will support programs offering junior golfers affordable access to golf courses, earning scholarships for college, and providing opportunities to explore career opportunities in golf. The Kirchdorfers’ gift also supports our Military Veterans and provides them with opportunities to learn and play the game. All of the opportunities lead to enhancing lives through the game. This is the essence of what Jimmy and Dana want to accomplish with their gift, to enhance the lives of others through golf! Words cannot adequately describe how impactful this gift is to the Kentucky Golf Foundation. We are beyond grateful for the generosity of the Kirchdorfers!”      

The Kentucky Golf Foundation is certainly most grateful towards Jimmy Kirchdorfer and his family for this pledged gift and is eager for what is to come as a result. The KGF encourages golfers of Kentucky to join the forward momentum currently in place and continue its growth by making a contribution of your own or by spreading the word about the KGF’s programs, including Youth on Course, PGA HOPE and the Kentucky PGA Junior Tour among others. Please click here to make a donation or visit the Golf House Kentucky website to learn more about these programs.

About the Kentucky Golf Foundation:
The Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF) is one of the three organizations encompassed under Golf House Kentucky, in addition to the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) and Kentucky PGA Section (KPGA). The KGF is a joint-initiative of the KGA and KPGA that was founded in 2002 to enhance lives through golf throughout the Commonwealth. The KGF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Media Contact:
Ethan Fisher, PGA | Golf House Kentucky | efisher@kygolf.org | (502) 792-9703