PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- During the month of August, The PGA Foundation, in conjunction with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, has awarded teaching grants totaling $60,000 to 12 Chapters of The First Tee representing 10 states.
To date, 148 of the 205 active Chapters of The First Tee nationwide have been recipients of either a PGA of America or Nicklaus/PGA teaching grant. The combined PGA and Nicklaus/PGA grants total $1,715,000.
Since 2001, The PGA of America and Nicklaus have partnered to create a $2 million endowment to provide teaching grants to certified Chapters of The First Tee that utilize PGA Golf Professionals and apprentices for instruction.
"The PGA of America is proud of its partnership with Jack Nicklaus, which has supported more communities coast to coast on a regular basis with the Nicklaus/PGA Teaching Grants," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "These grants have produced success stories within communities and have enabled The First Tee to continue its momentum of growing the game by bringing more young people into golf."
The program continues to highlight The PGA of America's commitment to partner with its PGA Golf Professionals to grow participation in golf.
Current Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants totaling $5,000 each have been awarded to The First Tee Chapters in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Since its inception in 1997, there are 205 Chapters of The First Tee in operation and 260 golf-learning facilities that have introduced the game of golf to more than 1.5 million participants and students (which include the students of the National School Program). The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.
The PGA Growth of the Game Program is one of a number of initiatives administered by The PGA of America through its PGA Foundation
The PGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, is dedicated to enhancing lives through the game of golf. The Foundation provides people of every ability, race, gender, and social and economic background an opportunity to experience the game and learn vital life lessons. The PGA Foundation achieves its mission through programs which provide instruction and access to playing the game of golf along with enriching those lives by providing educational, employment and scholarship opportunities.
For more information about the PGA Foundation, visit www.pgafoundation.org, or call (561) 624-7612.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
NICKLAUS/PGA OF AMERICA TEACHING GRANT Recipients - $5,000 each
The First Tee of Brunswick County, Shallotte, N.C.
The First Tee of Central Coast, Summerland, Calif.
The First Tee of Connecticut, Rocky Hill, Conn.
The First Tee of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio
The First Tee of Lake Erie, Norwalk, Ohio
The First Tee of Massachusetts, Norton, Mass.
The First Tee of Pasadena, Pasadena, Calif.
The First Tee of Pursell Farms, Sylacauga, Ala.
The First Tee of Snohomish County, Snohomish, Wash.
The First Tee of Susquehanna Valley, Lancaster, Pa.
The First Tee of Tucson, Tucson, Ariz.
The First Tee of Willamette Valley, Eugene, Ore.
