The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation will create a foothold in Butler County this summer.

The organization is designed to provide youngsters ages 6 to 14 and their families the opportunity to participate in golf through instruction and competition.

Chris Marron, an A-C Valley graduate and the assistant golf pro at Treesdale Golf and Country Club, is director of the eight-tournament series that concludes with a championship tournament Aug. 20 at Highland Country Club in Pittsburgh.

"This series is a great idea for golf in that there's nothing else out there for kids before age 14," Marron said. "The U.S. Kids tour is a good way for young players to enhance their skill level in preparation to become junior golfers."

Six of the eight Pittsburgh-area tour stops involve Butler County courses: Oakview, Buffalo, Cranberry Highlands, Stoughton Acres, Strawberry Ridge and Conley's.

The U.S. Kids Foundation has 44 tours nationwide. Before this year, the closest U.S. Kids tours were in Canton, Ohio, and Philadelphia.

Debbie Loughry, who has a competitive 9-year-old son, Troy, wanted to bring a tour closer to home.

"My parents run Stoughton Acres and told me about the U.S. Kids program," Loughry said. "I was intrigued by it, went on their website and found out there wasn't a local tour near us."

Loughry called the organization to find out what it takes to get a tour established locally.

"I found out there had to be a local club pro willing to run the thing," she said.

That's when Marron entered the picture. He played basketball at A-C Valley for Loughry's husband, Jeff, who also coached basketball at Karns City.

"Coach Loughry had a huge influence on me," Marron said. "When Debbie approached me with the idea, I was more than happy to take it on. It's great for golf and it teaches kids a lifetime skill.

"Youth tours like this create golfing buddies that can last a lifetime, too."

Golfers accumulate points through their participation in the tour. The top point-getter in each age division after all eight tour stops are completed receives a player of the year award.

Golfers can become eligible for U.S. Kids national and international events as well.

All players compete against golfers their own age and gender. Those age 8 and under are required to have a caddie who is age 13 or older during tour play.

Caddies are encouraged for all players.

"U.S. Kids promotes family involvement in the game. We'd love to see a parent serving as caddie for a child," Marron said.

The length of the golf courses will be modified to fit each age group. The 6-year-old age group will play nine holes with a total length of 1,100 yards. The maximum length for older players is 6,000 yards.

To register your child, visit uskidsgolf.com.