Aryanah Fairway {courtesy}
A Parkland student is using her love of golf to create new opportunities for girls, foster children, and underserved youth across South Florida.
Aryanah Ahmad, 17, founded Ary Fairway Forward, a nonprofit that uses golf and short-game experiences to build confidence, inclusion, leadership, and belonging among young people who may not otherwise have access to the sport.
Ahmad, a member of the Class of 2027 at American Heritage School’s Plantation campus, is a student-athlete and captain of the girls varsity golf team.
She said the idea grew from her own experience with golf.
“Through golf, I developed confidence, discipline, perseverance, leadership, and a strong sense of community,” Ahmad told Parkland Talk, adding, “I wanted to find a way to use the game I love to give those same opportunities to children who may not otherwise have access to them.”
Launched in 2026, Ary Fairway Forward has since become an official nonprofit. The organization primarily serves girls, children in foster care, and underserved youth through putting, chipping, mini golf, and other short-game activities designed to make golf more approachable.
“Traditional golf can sometimes feel expensive, complicated, or intimidating to someone who has never played,” Ahmad said.
She said the goal is not necessarily to create competitive golfers, but to use the sport to teach patience, confidence, sportsmanship, resilience, teamwork, and the courage to try something new.
Since launching, Ary Fairway Forward has organized mini golf and community events, supported back-to-school initiatives for foster and adoptive families, developed golf education content, and formed partnerships with youth and foster-care organizations.
The nonprofit is also preparing to launch Ary Fairway Girls, a multi-week program that will teach a small group of girls golf fundamentals, short-game skills, etiquette, teamwork, and confidence before culminating in an on-course experience.
Ahmad said some of the most meaningful moments come from watching children try something unfamiliar.
“One of the most meaningful parts of Ary Fairway Forward has been watching children arrive at an event unsure of what to expect and then quickly begin laughing, competing, encouraging each other, and trying something new,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ahmad hopes to expand partnerships with golf facilities and youth organizations, increase access to equipment and instruction, and eventually bring the nonprofit’s programs to additional communities.
“I want A.F.F. to become a place where young people can develop not only golf skills but also leadership, confidence, friendships, and a sense that they belong,” Ahmad said.
Residents and businesses can support Ary Fairway Forward by volunteering, sponsoring programs, donating equipment or supplies, purchasing items from their shop, or contributing financially.
More information is available on Instagram at @aryfairwayforward or by emailing AryFairwayForward@gmail.com.
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