BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Western Kentucky University students will benefit from one of its own Hall of Famers - Kenny Perry - and his memorable 2008 Ryder Cup experience.
Perry and Kentucky PGA Section Executive Director Mark Hill presented a $90,000 check on July 25 to WKU President Gary Ransdell and Dr. William Hey, head of the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport. The donation, part of the 2008 Ryder Cup Outreach Program, will be used to launch a Play Golf America University program at WKU.
"To be able to give back and start a program at the university where you attended means a lot to me, and how many opportunities do you have to give back to what you love?" Perry said during the presentation at his Country Creek Golf Course in Franklin.
This fall, 40 WKU students will participate in the program. Two classes of 10 students each will be offered each bi-term, according to Dr. Hey, and will be taught by Jeff McGill, PGA Professional at Bowling Green Country Club.
"Once we put these classes on the schedule they were filled up within weeks," Hey said. "The feedback so far has been tremendous. The sky's the limit."
Perry, who played golf at WKU from 1979-82, was inducted into the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2007, WKU's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame in 2004.
"First of all, what Kenny Perry has meant to The PGA of America and this nation in terms of the Ryder Cup and on the Tour is a source of great pride for our university," President Gary Ransdell said. "He's a terrific alumnus and helps build the WKU brand."
Perry said he'd like to make the next Ryder Cup team and have another opportunity to make a donation to the Play Golf America University program.
"It's a neat class for them to get in there and learn about what I do and what a PGA Professional does," Perry said.
"While the class may not develop future PGA Tour golfers, it may develop a PGA Professional who manages golf courses and provides golf instruction," Perry said.
The program will offer WKU students an opportunity to broaden their horizons, Perry said. "I think everyone will enjoy being a part of it. It's exciting to know it's bringing added interest."
In addition to the Play Golf America University contribution, Perry was also able to contribute $100,000 to the Boy's and Girls Club in Franklin, Tenn.
"It is awesome what The PGA of America does through the Ryder Cup Outreach program allowing us to make a donation to a charity close to our heart, which in my case, is the Boy's and Girls Club here in Franklin," said Perry.
"We broke ground and opened that facility three or four years ago with 30 kids and we have now grown to more than 600. It is a great and safe place for them to go to while their parents are at work," Perry said.
"It's nice to give back to my community. We all need help, and it's great to be able to move things in the right direction."
Since 1999, a total of 130 player-designated charities and 38 colleges and universities have received funding for the Play Golf America University program amounting to $13 million donated on behalf of the Ryder Cup team and Captain.
Ryder Cup and Play Golf America University
Play Golf America University is a PGA of America college and university golf program, designed to teach and engage students in the game of golf through PGA Professional instruction and other golf programs. Since its conception, The PGA of America has distributed $7.3 million to 76 participating colleges and universities throughout the United States, including $6.1 million on behalf of members of the U.S. Ryder Cup Teams as a means to support this initiative. Through 2007, PGA Professionals have provided instruction to more than 24,000 college students through Play Golf America University.
About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
