Randgold Resources to fund Ivory Coast's first golf academy

Mining company Randgold Resources Ltd. is offering $150,000 toward building Ivory Coast's first golf academy for kids.

Randgold Resources owns and operates a gold mine in Ivory Coast, and described the investment, which will be disbursed over three years, as a means of providing education and golf training to underprivileged children.

"We are committed to discovering and nurturing talent in our host countries, and by giving youngsters the opportunity to develop their athletic as well as their academic potential, the academy will add an extra dimension to this drive," Randgold's Mark Bristow said.

Randgold is parterning with local sports promotion company Team STL to make the project happen.

The program will offer scholarships to approximately 100 students to get the program started.