Butte County Sports and Education Foundation: Empowering Kids through Mentorship and Free Golf Resources

It all started with a phone call. In 2023, Matt Carton reached out to Grant Hornbeak to inquire about his golf course development project. “We just hit it off,” Carton said. Now these two golf aficionados are the co-owners of Beyond Golf. This family-friendly nine-hole course is a picturesque place where golf meets community with fun for all ages and levels.

Inspired by his love for sharing golf with youth, Grant Hornbeak founded the Butte County Sports and Education Foundation in 2015. Beyond Golf also embodies his vision to empower kids through free golf access and mentorship.
Photo by Missy Bee Photography

Teaching Life Skills Through the Sport of Golf

Beyond Golf is also the home base for the Butte County Sports and Education Foundation, which Hornbeak founded in 2015. Inspired by his love for sharing golf with youth over many years, the Foundation empowers kids through free golf access, mentorship and educational opportunities. Families who have children that are interested in golf can receive support with accessing equipment, navigating and registering for local and statewide tournaments and clinics as well as free golf classes via the Foundation.

Reflecting on Hornbeak’s dedication, Carton says his business partner has not only taught kids about golf, but also “life skills and trying to instill core values and good manners. All the ethics that come along with golf make it a great teaching tool.”

Carton goes on to add that golf has historically been expensive and therefore hard for kids to access. Thanks to services provided by the Foundation, that is changing right here in Chico.

Carton and Hornbeak’s partnership that led to the development of Beyond Golf is the completion of one of the goals of the Foundation. Many of the offerings provided by the Foundation have now found a home at Beyond Golf, including junior classes and clinics for youth held every other Saturday. Participation is based on a first-come-first-served basis, and those who are interested can learn more and sign up via the Facebook group. Carton’s own six-year-old son has benefited from the tutelage offered by volunteer teachers and is since “completely different on the course,” demonstrating new focus and etiquette.

“All the ethics that come along with golf make it a great teaching tool.”
-Matt Carton

Beyond Golf: Mentorship Opportunities

The integration of Butte County Youth Sports and Education Foundation and Beyond Golf provides a unique opportunity for beginners to learn the game and for seasoned golfers to sharpen their short game. Carton emphasizes that the course is accessible to all ages and abilities but intentionally “built to emulate a really nice course that has a lot of action so it’s really fun for adults.”

No matter what your age or experience level, opportunities abound at Beyond Golf! This facility provides the community with a fun space with truly affordable golf opportunities. Volunteers are also welcomed and appreciated. From contributing your time as a marshal providing course oversight, to lending your golf expertise as a volunteer teacher at clinics, to helping with landscaping, there are many ways to meaningfully contribute.

Free clinics, lessons and mentorship facilitate access for golfers of all ages while creating memories, supporting local family business and strengthening community. Beyond Golf’s partnership with the Foundation helps Carton and Hornbeak stay true to their mission: keeping youth at the center of everything they do and ensuring accessibility for all.

Funding is imperative to keep programming available at no cost and donations are needed. Grants and donations fuel opportunities for youth to explore golf while gaining confidence and self-esteem. To donate to the Foundation or inquire about sponsorships, please visit buttecountyyouthsportsandeducationfoundation.org. To learn more about Beyond Golf, visit beyondgolfchico.com.