PINEHURST, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2019) – Thanks to a $100,000 donation from the United States Golf Association (USGA), First Tee chapters across the nation are receiving grants to further their efforts to introduce life skills and the game of golf to more young people. The grants are a continuation of the support the USGA has provided to First Tee for more than 20 years, and one of a series of initiatives on which the organizations have collaborated in 2019.

The grants are being dispersed to 25 chapters located in or around USGA championship locations and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive, lasting impact on local host communities.

The announcement was made today at the USGA’s 119^th U.S. Amateur Championship in Pinehurst, N.C. Participants from the First Tee of the Sandhills, one of the USGA grant recipients, were on hand with the chapter’s Executive Director Courtney Stiles to share the announcement alongside USGA CEO Mike Davis.

“We are so grateful to the USGA and organizations like this, as it is these partnerships that allow us to broaden our impact in communities across the country, engaging young people who we may not have otherwise reached,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee president. “Together, we will inspire youth for years to come, engaging them in the sport and helping them to become leaders in their communities.”

“We are proud to see our First Tee grant funding directly benefit those communities that welcome us throughout the year and embrace the spirit of what a USGA championship represents,” Davis added. “The USGA is committed to making a difference in our host communities, and we are excited to see the long-term impact these grants will have in welcoming more junior golfers to the game, and to inspire them to play it for a lifetime.”

The USGA has supported the First Tee since its inception in 1997, providing more than $26 million in grants to the organization. Their shared commitment to bringing more young people to the game was highlighted this past June during the 119th U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach, where the two organizations debuted the Junior Experience Featuring First Tee. The on-site interactive experience connected youths with the excitement and values associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country. 

With the USGA’s support, First Tee chapters are reaching more than 136,000 young people annually at more than 1,200 program locations, with support from 25,000 volunteers. Additionally, First Tee has been introduced to more than 10,000 schools and youth centers reaching millions of additional kids through these programs.

***

About First Tee

First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its beginning in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Its headquarters are in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations.

About the USGA

The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world’s golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

For more information: Danny Vohden, (908) 326-1217, dvohden@usga.org