Chicago — March 2, 2026 — With the historic 100th-anniversary milestone of U.S. Route 66 underway, the “National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66” has been officially designated as a Centennial-recognized project. This innovative tourism initiative pairs the timeless appeal of golf with the legendary journey of America’s Main Street, inviting travelers to tee off at distinctive, designated courses along the Mother Road corridor.
“National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66” invites communities along the eight-state Route 66 corridor to integrate golf-tourism into the Centennial celebration by:
- Highlighting local golf courses, mini-courses, putting greens, and golf-related events situated near historic Route 66 alignments.
- Encouraging themed travel packages that link Route 66 heritage stops with golf-friendly amenities, thereby boosting overnight stays, regional visitation, and economic impact.
- Integrating interpretive signage, photo opportunities, and digital (mobile app) components that tie each “stick on 66” stop to the broader centennial story of the road and local heritage.
“Route 66 has always been about discovery, about open horizons and community connection,” said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner for the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. “By officially designating National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66, we’re creating a fresh-faced way to celebrate the road’s Centennial — not just by driving it, but by playing it. From tee-to-green to motels and diners, this project brings the spirit of Route 66 into new fairways and new communities.”
Gary Sparks, founder of The National Route 66 Golf Trail, said, “It is an honor to be endorsed by the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission as one of the projects to be celebrated on Route 66 in 2026. Playing these designated courses will create lasting memories for millions of golfers as they travel this iconic highway.”
As an officially designated Centennial project, “National Route 66 Golf Trail – Sticks on 66” will be featured on the Centennial’s official digital channels, have access to the trademarked Centennial logo for promotional use, and be included in national marketing efforts for the 2026 celebration year. In addition, participating golf courses and communities along the Route 66 corridor are encouraged to coordinate with Ken Busby, the project’s administrator, and local tourism offices to amplify their linkage to the centennial moment. Interested parties can email Ken at culturalczarok@gmail.com.
Key goals of the project
- Promote cross-state itineraries that pair iconic Route 66 stops with golf-related experiences, thereby encouraging longer stays and deeper local engagement.
- Highlight lesser-seen towns and communities along the corridor by positioning golf tourism as a heritage-travel anchor.
- Leverage the centennial year to boost visitation, preserve roadside heritage, and drive economic development through themed travel and sport.
- Provide digital resources (an interactive map, a mobile companion app, and itinerary suggestions) that integrate golf stops with Route 66 history, photo points, and cultural heritage narratives.
About the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership:
Established in 2016 with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development. Only In Your State is the official Publishing Partner to the Route 66 Centennial. Founding Sponsors of the Route 66 Centennial include the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission, American Express, AAA Route 66 Road Fest, Cruise America, Harley Davidson, Rand McNally Publishing, and Booking.com. For more information, visit route66centennial.org.
