Key Takeaways
- Doglegg Golf, a virtual golf facility, has been opened by a father-son team in College Station, Texas, with the goal of providing access to golf while supporting international water access.
- The facility operates four rental bays with over 1,900 virtual golf courses and donates all concession profits to provide water filters for families in western Kenya.
- The water filters, which cost $50 each, can provide clean drinking water for families of 10 for up to 20 years.
- Doglegg Golf has set a goal to raise $30,000 from concession sales before the next Kenya trip in May.
Introduction to Doglegg Golf
Doglegg Golf, a unique virtual golf facility, has recently been opened in College Station, Texas, by a father-son team, Randy and Kyler Patton. The facility features four rental bays where players can choose from an impressive selection of over 1,900 virtual golf courses. What sets Doglegg Golf apart from other golf facilities is its commitment to giving back to the community, both locally and internationally. By channeling all concession profits towards providing water filters for families in western Kenya, the Pattons aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
The Inspiration Behind Doglegg Golf
The idea for Doglegg Golf was born out of the high demand for golf in the Bryan-College Station area, particularly among the student population. With limited public course options available, Randy Patton saw an opportunity to provide more access to golf while also supporting a worthy cause. The Patton family has a long history of involvement in charitable work, particularly in western Kenya, where they have traveled multiple times to provide clean water, health, education, and other essential resources. This legacy of giving back was inspired by Randy’s late father, Biff Patton, who launched a water filter program in 2010, working with Texas Baptist Men to distribute Sawyer filters to local communities.
The Impact of Doglegg Golf’s Philanthropy
The water filters provided by Doglegg Golf’s concession profits have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of families in western Kenya. Each filter, which costs $50, can provide clean drinking water for a family of 10 for up to 20 years. This is a remarkable return on investment, considering that concession sales from just one or two days at Doglegg Golf can fund a filter that will serve a Kenyan family for decades. The Pattons’ commitment to giving back is driven by their belief that businesses can be successful while also doing good in the world. As Kyler Patton noted, "We want to be successful and we want to make money, but we think that we can do good in the world while we’re doing that."
Fundraising Goals and Future Plans
Doglegg Golf has set an ambitious goal to raise $30,000 from concession sales before the next Kenya trip in May. This target is a significant challenge, but one that the Pattons are confident they can achieve with the support of their customers and the local community. The funds raised will go directly towards providing water filters for families in western Kenya, continuing the legacy of Biff Patton’s "Biff Water" program. As Randy Patton reflected on the experience of visiting western Kenya, "When you visit Western Kenya, you see that access to clean water and food and education and shelter is just not always the case." The Pattons’ work through Doglegg Golf is helping to change this reality, one water filter at a time.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Doglegg Golf is a unique and inspiring example of a business that is committed to giving back to the community. Through its virtual golf facility and concession sales, the Pattons are making a positive impact on the lives of families in western Kenya. As the facility continues to grow and attract new customers, it is likely that the Pattons will reach their fundraising goal and beyond, providing even more water filters and support to those in need. With their dedication to doing good in the world, the Pattons are setting a powerful example for other businesses to follow, demonstrating that success and philanthropy can go hand in hand.
