About The Breakthrough Golf Alliance
Our Story
The Breakthrough Golf Alliance has evolved from humble beginnings to become a powerful force for change in the world of junior golf. Our journey reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing young golf talent and breaking down the barriers that often prevent promising athletes from reaching their full potential.
Our Origins
Founded in 2010 as the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, our organization began as a youth sports 501c3 non-profit under the umbrella of the Amateur Athletic Union. During these formative years, we dedicated ourselves to enhancing the lives of young golfers of all ability levels and ages through the beautiful game of golf. Our mission was simple yet profound: to provide opportunities to countless young golfers who might not otherwise have had the chance to explore the sport.
Throughout this period, we were fortunate to receive support from exceptional figures in the golfing world. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus and PGA Tour champion Keegan Bradley lent their names and resources to our cause. We also benefited from the generous backing of organizations such as the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, whose contributions were instrumental in helping us fulfill our mission and expand our reach.
Transformation and Growth
A significant milestone in our organizational journey came in early 2025 when we separated from the AAU and established our own independent 501c3 nonprofit status. This transition marked not just a structural change but also an evolution in our purpose and vision.
During this restructuring period, we took the opportunity to refine our goals and mission. While we remained committed to junior golf development, we shifted our focus to address a specific need we had observed throughout our years of service: the financial barriers that prevent talented young golfers from competing at higher levels and showcasing their abilities.
The Birth of the Breakthrough Golf Alliance
In early May 2025, with our new mission clearly defined, we officially created the DBA (Doing Business As) "The Breakthrough Golf Alliance," which became the acting name of the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development.
This new identity perfectly captures the essence of our evolved mission. The name "Breakthrough" communicates our dedication to breaking through the financial barriers that often prevent exceptional talent from flourishing. Meanwhile, the term "Alliance" reflects our belief in the power of partnership and community support in achieving these goals.
Our Mission
Today, the Breakthrough Golf Alliance focuses specifically on assisting talented golfers ages 13 and up who have demonstrated exceptional promise within the game but lack the financial resources to compete or showcase their talents effectively. We firmly believe that financial constraints should never hold back exceptional talent.
By providing targeted support, resources, and opportunities, we help these promising young athletes overcome financial obstacles and pursue their golfing dreams. Our work ensures that talent, dedication, and passion—rather than economic circumstances—determine a young golfer's ability to succeed in the sport.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to our founding principles while adapting to meet the changing needs of young golfers in today's competitive landscape. The Breakthrough Golf Alliance stands as a testament to the power of community, opportunity, and the transformative potential of the game of golf.
Our Team
At the core of the Breakthrough Golf Alliance's success stands an exceptional leadership team whose passion and expertise have guided our organization from its inception. The Alliance is led by PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran whose dedication to junior golf development has earned him multiple awards for coaching and education. Brendon's deep knowledge of the game and his innovative coaching philosophy have been instrumental in shaping our programs and approach.
Working alongside Brendon is his wife of 25 years, Melisa Elliott. With 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Melisa brings crucial business acumen and financial oversight to our organization. Her expertise ensures that we maximize the impact of every donation and operate with the utmost fiscal responsibility.
Together, Brendon and Melisa have been the heart and soul of this initiative since its origins as Little Linksters in 2010. Their complementary skills—Brendon's golf expertise and coaching prowess paired with Melisa's financial savvy—create a leadership dynamic that balances passionate advocacy for young golfers with sound organizational management.
This powerful partnership has enabled the Breakthrough Golf Alliance to maintain its focus on breaking down financial barriers while building sustainable programs that create lasting opportunities for talented young golfers. Under their guidance, our organization continues to evolve and expand its impact on the lives of promising junior golfers throughout the country.
Join Our Mission
Become a Board Member
As the Breakthrough Golf Alliance continues to grow and expand our impact, we are actively seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. We're looking for dedicated professionals who share our commitment to breaking down financial barriers in junior golf and who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to our organization. Ideal candidates will have experience in areas such as nonprofit management, fundraising, golf industry connections, youth development, or financial oversight.
Board members play a crucial role in shaping our strategic direction, expanding our network of supporters, and ensuring we effectively fulfill our mission to support talented young golfers. If you're interested in contributing your skills and passion to this meaningful cause, please click the button below and send us a note with your background information. Join us in creating breakthrough opportunities for the next generation of golf talent!