Maria Fassi Hosted Free Golf Clinics in Lowell
LPGA star Maria Fassi and First Tee NWA offer free golf instruction to local children of all abilities.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Golf
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LPGA professional Maria Fassi has continued her commitment to youth athletics by hosting free, inclusive golf clinics in Lowell. The program, known as Fassi's Friends, partners with First Tee NWA to provide instruction for children regardless of their physical ability.
Why it matters
The program removes financial and physical barriers to entry in golf, an expensive sport that has historically excluded children with disabilities. By providing free access, Fassi ensures that young athletes have an inclusive environment to develop their skills.
The Fassi's Friends program has operated for 6 years with over $30,000 in personal contributions from Maria Fassi. Meanwhile, partner organization First Tee NWA celebrates 20 years of local service after distributing 3,000 backpacks last year.
The players
Maria Fassi
Maria Fassi is an LPGA professional golfer who previously won the 2019 NCAA individual golf title.
First Tee NWA
First Tee NWA is a youth development organization that has provided golf-based programming in Northwest Arkansas for 20 years.
The details
Coaches from First Tee NWA manage the sessions at the facility located at 715 E. Monroe Ave. Families interested in participation must register their children through the organization's online portal to attend the Thursday evening clinics.
Timeline
The Fassi's Friends program launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maria Fassi secured the NCAA individual golf title in 2019.
Clinics occur regularly on Thursday evenings at the Lowell facility.
First Tee NWA is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Season Trajectory
The ongoing success of the Fassi's Friends program reflects a broader shift toward inclusivity in youth sports initiatives within Northwest Arkansas. This project expands on the foundation set by the 2020 launch of the Fassi's Friends program by cementing its role in the local golf landscape.
Families can secure spots for their children in the upcoming sessions by completing the required registration through the online portal. The program provides a rare opportunity to access professional-level golf instruction at no cost to the participant.
The takeaway
This initiative demonstrates how professional athletes can leverage their platform to increase accessibility in historically exclusive sports. Families looking for affordable, inclusive activities for their children can utilize this resource to gain foundational skills and build confidence.
Further reading
For more on local initiatives and competitive play, visit the Golf section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Home Page.
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