Local children will soon get a chance to golf through the Barnwell Recreation Department.

The department recently received a grant from the 2010 Sticks for Kids program.

The National Recreation and Park Association, in partnership with Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), spearhead this national initiative. The program centers around the philosophy that children, regarless or socioeconomic status, should have the opportunity to learn golf, said Emily Randell, the parks and recreation director for Barnwell.

The Sticks for Kids program provided the department with 10 sets of junior golf clubs, instruction cards, programming manuals and ongoing club maintenance.

Barnwell recreation department was one of 100 organizations selected for the 2010 Sticks for Kids program.

The recreation department will begin offering recreation programs where the golf clubs will be used starting in May, said Randell.

"We were very pleased to learn that the City of Barnwell Parks & Recreation Department was selected to participate in the 2010 Sticks for Kids program," said Randell.

This program also teaches life skills through golf like integrity, discipline, sportsmanship, etiquette and respect for self, others and the environment, she said.

The clubs will be available to other groups and organizations that work with children, she said.

For details, call Randell at (803) 259-3317.