Mexican golf course architect Agustin Pizá has launched PrimerSwing, a not for profit programme designed to enable underprivileged youngsters in his home country to play golf.

Pizá, who is also working on a project to build Peru’s first public golf course in Lima, said: “We are convinced that golf provides essential tools for the integral formation of children and to build a better society.”

The scheme, which is being run in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club in Tijuana, has created a practice facility and an alliance with the Tijuana Country Club and Real del Mar Golf Resort. “With this, the underprivileged children will have the opportunity to fully develop in the sport, find a passion, and potentially a skill in maintenance and/or operation of golf courses,” said Pizá.

The scheme was launched recently at an event attended by PGA Tour players Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz and Esteban Toledo. Toledo said: “It is very important we unite Mexican golfers to give support to people in need, bringing all together and giving them a future, to prepare to meet their goals.”

“My dad encouraged me to learn golf values like honesty and respect, and so I like that Primer Swing can teach this to underprivileged children,” said Abraham Ancer, who is currently in his rookie year on the PGA Tour.

“The major challenge is to make PrimerSwing in Mexico replicate the success we had in Peru under the Golf For All format. Basically we have six years to establish the program, build a golf course open to the general public and generate success stories,” Pizá concluded.