Administrators from the CIF Southern Section offices organize shoes donated by Friends of Golf, in collaboration with the chic sportswear brand G/FORE. Valley News/Courtesy photo

In an eye-catching display of sports philanthropy, Friends of Golf (FOG), in collaboration with the chic sportswear brand G/FORE, recently set the stage to outfit young athletes with some slick new gear. 2,000 pairs of cutting-edge golf shoes were delivered early last month to their eager new owners, transforming the greens with style and sustainability.

The wave of generosity first washed over the astroturf at the Birmingham Community Charter High School in Lake Balboa. Student athletes had their game upped considerably as they laid their hands on G/FORE’s finest. The partnership continued its purposeful stride, extending from Orange to the stretches of San Luis Obispo County Saturday, Feb. 3.

CIF Southern Section Commissioner of Athletics, Mike West, isn’t shy to share his gratitude, “The relationship we’ve cultivated with Friends of Golf over the years is priceless. They’ve been instrumental in nurturing the love for golf in numerous communities by supporting thousands of athletes. This initiative is a testament to their unyielding dedication to the sport.”

In what might just be their most audacious move yet, FOG and G/FORE doled out these shoes gratis, making quite the statement about investing in the future of the sport. The fairway to opportunity has never looked more stylish.

Founded in 1979, FOG has swung its way to over $10 million in donations to golfer-focused organizations, advocating for integrity and camaraderie in the game. Their mission is crystal-clear: guide youth through their golfing ventures, from grade school to college, regardless of their wallets’ weight.

Cultivated by the seasoned fashion creator Mossimo Giannulli, G/FORE takes a swing at blending sophistication with a genuine adoration for golf. Bringing a little extra oomph onto the greens, they stand apart with their intricate eye for detail and fresh, lively spirit.

The titan of high school athletics, CIF-SS holds the reins to sports in Southern California. Its rich legacy, dating back to 1913, encompasses a diverse range of schools and districts. With over 560 members, they’re not just big; they’re colossal, steering the sports saga for a range of varsity sports, including 630 golf programs.

For more information, reach out to Joe Schlosser at joe@schlossercommunications.com or give him a ring at (818) 795 9932.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

JP Raineri
JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist, and head of the Sports Department for the Valley News. Over his time in the Temecula Valley, JP, a former Southwestern League head baseball coach, was also an on-air radio personality at Q103.3, KATY 101.3, Hot 103.9, and was a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When not covering local, or national sports, JP also serves as an Associate Baseball Scout with NSR.