NATCHEZ — Having your own golf clubs is no longer a prerequisite for youth to take to the links and play a round of golf in Natchez.

Duncan Park was recently approved for a grant from the Golf Course Builders Association of America and the Foundation and National Recreation and Park Association that would provide Duncan Park with youth golf clubs that could be borrowed out to youth golfers free of charge.

“These clubs are available for all children of Natchez to borrow them and come play,” Brooking said. It’s like no child will be turned away.”

Brooking said the grant was approved because Natchez had a need for the equipment and a goal in expanding youth golf in the area.

“I filled out a form and explained the socio-economic levels of the area, and they determined a need in Natchez,” Brooking said. “We were fortunate enough to be one of the courses that were granted clubs.”

Brooking said the new clubs, which will cater to youth golfers of all sizes and even left-handed players, will allow more golfers to come play.

“It gives us a larger variety of golfers,” Brooking said. “We have two different sizes of left-handed golf clubs, and before we didn’t have any, so if a left-handed person came in we couldn’t help them. We also have larger sets for (teenagers) and that gives us a broader spectrum.”

Brooking said he hopes the donated equipment will allow youth golf in Natchez to continue to grow.