This year marked the 13th season of our “I ❤️ Golf” Program and our 12th year at Haggin Oaks, a place that has become a second home for our heart families. We welcomed 11 new families and 38 golfers, and the joy on the children’s faces as they held their clubs for the first time was priceless.
The season began in February with a skill assessment so we could group golfers by ability, helping each child feel both challenged and encouraged.
- Par+ golfers are our newest and often youngest players, ages 4–6, who are just learning the game.
- Par golfers are building foundational skills and techniques.
- Birdies are nearly course ready as they refine their form and focus.
- Eagles, our most advanced players, were able to tee off and complete nine holes this year, thanks to families who arrived early and supported the full-course experience.
We wrapped up the season in June on the front side of the driving range at Haggin Oaks, where golfers practiced putting on the Lil’ McKenzie Course and enjoyed interactive fun with Toptracer technology. A special thank-you to Leatherby’s Ice Creamery for helping everyone celebrate with ice cream. Parents also enjoyed discovering all the amenities Haggin Oaks has to offer. As heart mom McKenzie Paul shared:
“I see spending several evenings out here with our family enjoying golf, good food, and music. Thank you for sharing this gem with us.”
Many heart parents are told their children may not be able to play sports, but golf is one sport many can enjoy without restriction. We asked Dr. Teimour Nasirov, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, why he recommends golf:
“Golf is a great sport and outlet for our cardiac patients. It is fun, competitive, and provides an aerobic workout that will not overly stress the heart. The kids enjoy the outdoors and learn teamwork. We hope more cardiac patients get the opportunity to experience the benefits of golf.”
We are incredibly proud of how far this program has come and what it continues to offer our heart kids and their families. We are already looking forward to “I ❤️ Golf” 2027.
Stay tuned! Registration for the 2027 season opens January 1, 2027, with dates announced in late November or early December. “I ❤️ Golf” is a commitment to attend five Saturday sessions from February through June, just like any other sport kids play.
