Those of us who have been playing golf for any length of time understand that is more than just a game. There's no denying that golf instills certain physical attributes and that it's good exercise but there's more to it than that, and most golfers that I know would wholeheartedly agree. That extra component that golf offers its players is a set of life skills that serve us daily--whether we know it or not. This holds true for new golfers as well as they begin to learn the game and appreciate its overall value not just on the course but in life in general.

But golf isn't like basketball or soccer or baseball when it comes to our younger players. Kids who want to play but don't have the resources to buy the needed equipment or mentors to teach them the game are pretty much left out. The truth is golf can be horribly expensive, even at the junior level.

So what can the average Joe do about this?

That depends on how much you want to do.

If you live a metro area, chances are there are mentoring programs already in place. A call or visit to one might lead you into taking personal, active action by becoming a mentor. If you don't have the time or feel as if you don't have the skills to teach others, perhaps you can do other things to help the program. More on this below.

If you live a rural area or an area that simply doesn't have a golf mentor program at all, well, consider creating your own mentoring program. You don't have to be a pro to teach a youngster the fundementals of the game. Schedule a chat with your course manager and discuss the idea with him or her and see if you can't work something out.

If you're not the mentoring type, consider donating to a program. Many golfers (at least the ones I know) have old clubs and bags sitting in their garages that they will never use again. Why let them gather dust and spider webs? Give them to a program of your choice and let someone else enjoy them. Even if you only have a few old clubs (meaning less than a full set, or even an old putter or driver)...donate it/them.

Frankly, I think it's something of a shame that kids who can't afford clubs or have no one to teach them this game are left out. It doesn't have to be that way, and you could be the one to change that in your community.

Think about it.