PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – E. Llwyd Ecclestone Jr. of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., whose vision for a world-class golf resort and community in Northern Palm Beach County resulted in the formation of PGA National and the home for The PGA of America, has donated $1 million to scholarship support through the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Inc.
Founded in 1986, the PGA Financial Assistance Fund serves PGA Professionals both as a benevolent relief fund and as a scholarship program that encourages and promotes the attainment of higher education goals for children and grandchildren of PGA members.
"The PGA of America is extremely grateful for the generosity of Llwyd Ecclestone in supporting hundreds of families of PGA Professionals through the scholarships which will be made possible by his gift," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "Mr. Ecclestone has been a partner to our Association's growth for more than 25 years and this gift ensures that there is a bright future for generations to come."
One of the world's most acclaimed residential and golf developments and spanning 2,341 acres, PGA National was born in the spring of 1978, when Ecclestone completed the purchase of property from interests of the late John D. MacArthur, who had owned the original PGA National Golf Club (now BallenIsles Country Club).
"Recalling our vision for the scrub land site before PGA National was started and looking at it today, I know we are all very proud of our accomplishment," said Ecclestone. "I am very thankful to all those that played a part in the development of PGA National, especially The PGA of America."
The PGA of America staff moved into the current PGA National Headquarters in February of 1981. Meanwhile, PGA National Resort & Spa became a premier destination and the site for world-class golf competitions operated by The PGA of America, including the 1983 Ryder Cup, the 1987 PGA Championship; the Senior PGA Championship from 1982 to 2000; the 1982 PGA Grand Slam of Golf; the 1994 PGA Cup, the 1994 PGA Professional National Championship and the Junior PGA Championship. PGA National is the only site nationwide to host each of these national championship events.
Since 1986, the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program has awarded $2,822,000 to 1,639 students. Funding for these scholarships is made possible through voluntary contributions to the PGA Financial Assistance Fund, a tax deductible 501(c)(3) fund from PGA members and other donors. With Mr. Ecclestone's contribution, the PGA Financial Assistance Fund's balance is more than $5 million.
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.
