Our Vision
A world where every child feels valued and respected, free to pursue their passion and fulfill their mission.

Our Mission
SwingPals' mission is to build a foundation of health and strong character in children facing adversity. SwingPals uses golf as a medium through which students develop mindfulness and self-regulation skills, empowering them to pursue their passion and fulfill their potential to create positive change in their community.

Our Philosophy - the Mental Pre-shot Routine
The Mental Pre-shot routine is one solution to unlocking a child’s potential. This unique methodology provides students in schools with the tools and skills needed to build mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. It is a process through which a child can create their own safe space to tolerate adversity and the stress of change and growth.

Our Story
SwingPals was founded in 2009 with the express purpose of using the game of golf to connect children who face adversity with caring adults who love the game and the desire to give back to the community. Doug’s goal was to target middle schools in Durham, NC, with the highest percentages of students enrolled who are eligible for free/reduced-price lunches, and the schools that have the highest percentages of students testing at or below grade level in reading and math. These metrics indicate higher levels of financial insecurity and academic challenges for these students in the future. Many students from these schools are also at risk of facing poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, high crime rates, obesity, teen pregnancy, and child mistreatment.