AUSTIN, Texas -- In the wake of the U.S. Pro Golf Tour cancelling its event at Barton Creek Resort & Spa, the Resort has stepped in to help The First Tee of Greater Austin, which was to be a beneficiary of the Tour.

When the U. S. Pro Tour cancelled suddenly, the $10,000 donation promised by the Tour to The First Tee evaporated leaving its Scholarship Fund short the promised funds. With the Tour cancelled, Barton Creek had the #1 ranked golf course in Texas (Golfweek and Travel & Leisure Golf) completely open for tee times on Sunday, August 27. Brian Dees, Director of Golf at Barton Creek, offered the course to The First Tee volunteers and others to play for only $60 inclusive greens fees and cart fees (normal fee is $185+), with all proceeds going to The First Tee. All tee times have been purchased through Barton Creek, generating donations of approximately $13,000 to The First Tee of Greater Austin.

“It is absolutely our pleasure to assist The First Tee of Greater Austin in this way,” said Brian Dees, Director of Golf at Barton Creek. “Golf is more than a game. It teaches kids many life skills and character values. The First Tee’s mission is to foster personal attributes in children—such as resiliency, self-worth and a sense of integrity and responsibility.”

“Our life skills curriculum is something of which we are extremely proud.” said The First Tee Executive Director Jennifer MacCurrach. “The game of golf is the means. Teaching young people valuable life skills is the ultimate end for The First Tee of Greater Austin. Participants are taught through the game of golf: interpersonal communication, self-management, goal-setting and resistance skills. We are grateful to Barton Creek for assisting us with our Scholarship Fund, which will enable us to reach children in Austin who would not otherwise be able to participate in The First Tee program.”

The First Tee of Greater Austin is a Texas 501(c )(3) non-profit organization with the mission to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through a unique golf program. The First Tee of Greater Austin has been serving Central Texas youth, since the fall of 1999. The First Tee of Greater Austin opened its first facility in 2005 at the Harvey Penick Golf Campus. For more information about The First Tee of Greater Austin, please visit www.firstteeaustin.org or call 512-732-0380, ext. 200.

Located in Austin, in the heart of the glorious Texas Hill Country, Barton Creek Resort & Spa combines world-class service with its classic brand of Austin casual elegance set in luxurious surroundings. Featuring 300 beautifully appointed rooms, Barton Creek has something for everyone and offers superior dining experiences, 72 holes of nationally acclaimed championship golf, the industry’s finest meeting facilities and a full-service spa, including a unique line of Texas-themed services. The resort is one of nearly 170 clubs and resorts worldwide owned and operated by Dallas-based ClubCorp, which was founded in 1957 and has approximately $1.5 billion in assets. For more information on Barton Creek Resort & Spa, call 1-800-336-6158 or 512-329-4000 or visit www.bartoncreek.com. Visit www.clubcorp.com for additional company information.

Media Contact
Patricia Faust
Public Relations Manager
512-329-4517
patricia.faust@bartoncreek.com