TULSA, Okla. -- The 89th PGA Championship, marking a record fourth visit to Southern Hills Country Club, also will continue a tradition of its host city, Tulsa, which has been one of the nation’s leaders in giving back to those in need. The PGA Community Relations Program will benefit 36 organizations in Greater Tulsa, providing a value of $596,600 for both access to the Championship and operational support.
Since its origin in 2000, the PGA Community Relations Program, inclusive of the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, PGA Professional National Championship and Ryder Cup, has benefited 784 charities. Those charities have received funds and credentials to major PGA events totaling more than $15 million.
Included in the week’s schedule is a Youth Golf Clinic, Monday, Aug. 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at LaFortune Park Golf Course in Tulsa. The clinic will bring together some 250 boys and girls and 35 South Central PGA Professionals. PGA Honorary Member Dennis Walters, a nationally-renowned trick shot specialist, will open the clinic. Following the clinic, the South Central PGA will supervise a Youth Skills Challenge at LaFortune Park.
The PGA Community Relations Program is an outreach program under the PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of The PGA of America. This year’s program in Tulsa is guided by a Community Relations Committee chaired by Greg Ruley and featuring six Southern Hills Country Club members including Championship General Chairman Al Bush.
“The PGA of America is proud of the opportunity to join Southern Hills Country Club in returning our support to the citizens of Tulsa, a community that is committed to supporting the wonderful work of the 36 charitable organizations which join us this week,” said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. “These organizations promote the ideals and goals that are at the heart of the PGA Foundation’s mission.
“The great thing is that the work continues, with our Association following up with those organizations that were touched by some part of the PGA Championship experience. It is no surprise that these organizations continue to put Tulsa on the map by producing many success stories.”
“I was overwhelmed by the variety of charities that were touched in this program and proud to be a part,” said Bush. “It is purposeful, well-planned and it is most gratifying to see the work that is continuing among these organizations in Tulsa. I applaud The PGA of America and its Community Relations Program for its commitment and generosity.”
More information about the participating organizations and contacts in the PGA Community Relations Program may be found by visiting www.pgafoundation.org.
Tickets to the 89th PGA Championship are still available by calling 1-800-PGA-GOLF (732-4653) or by visiting the Championship’s official Web site, www.pga2007.com.
Players and clubhouse guests will enjoy a newly-refurbished locker room, gathering places and expanded meeting space inside the clubhouse for member and corporate hospitality. It also will accommodate this year’s Champions’ Dinner, hosted by Woods.
Tickets and general information regarding the 2007 PGA Championship may be found on line at www.pga2007.com, or by calling 1-800-PGA-GOLF.
The PGA Championship is one of four premier golf events conducted by The PGA of America. Others include the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together the winners of golf's four major championships. Since 1916, golf's best professionals have been competing for the PGA Championship’s coveted Wanamaker Trophy. Past Champions span both the legendary and recent stars of the game: Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson.
