LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Aug. 20, 2020) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) has provided $200,000 in grants to be allocated across 51 First Tee chapters throughout the United States in its ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors. The grants are part of an annual $1.3 million investment in national junior golf programs.
In addition to the grants, the association has pledged $125,000 to help First Tee develop innovative digital tools that enable stronger connections between juniors, parents, chapters and coaches, bringing the USGA’s total investment to $325,000 for 2020.
Since 1997, the USGA has invested a total of more than $33 million among First Tee, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, and Drive, Chip & Putt in an effort to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a lifelong passion for the game. The commitment to expanding participation is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game.
“Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.”
First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Through chapters in 150 communities and more than 10,000 schools and 1,200 after-school partnerships, First Tee reaches kids ages 5-18 from all backgrounds.
Grant applications were available to First Tee chapters located within the 14 markets where USGA championships were scheduled to take place in 2020, as well as chapters affiliated with one of the association’s 59 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states, AGAs serve millions of golfers at the recreational level by increasing engagement and participation, and improving the golfer experience.
These 51 First Tee chapters have the potential to reach more than 1 million young people through programs on golf courses, as well as through schools and after-school partnerships.
"The USGA's commitment to investing in First Tee over the years continues to have a lasting impact on the game as well as countless young people in communities across our country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. "We are offering a meaningful and positive experience through golf that helps young people uncover who they are and grow personally. There is no better sport in which to do this, and we are thankful for the USGA’s confidence in our work.”
The funding is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment in the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open.
The 2020 grant recipients include:
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First Tee Chapter |
USGA Championship Host Communities and Supporting USGA Allied Golf Associations |
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First Tee — Aiken |
2020 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Carolinas Golf Association |
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First Tee — Central Arkansas |
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First Tee — Central Iowa |
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First Tee — Central Mississippi |
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First Tee — Central Washington |
2020 U.S. Amateur |
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First Tee — Coachella Valley |
2021 U.S. Open, Southern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — Connecticut |
2020 U.S. Open, 2020 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Connecticut State Golf Association |
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First Tee — Eastern Michigan |
2020 U.S. Senior Amateur, Golf Association of Michigan |
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First Tee — Fresno |
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First Tee — Greater Austin |
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First Tee — Greater El Paso |
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First Tee — Greater Philadelphia |
2020 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, Golf Association of Philadelphia |
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First Tee — Greater Portland |
2020 U.S. Amateur, Oregon Golf Association |
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First Tee — Greater Richmond |
2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur, Virginia State Golf Association |
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First Tee — Greater Sacramento |
2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — Greater Trenton |
2020 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, New Jersey State Golf Association |
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First Tee — Greater Washington, D.C. |
2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, Maryland State Golf Association |
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First Tee — Greater Wilmington (N.C.) |
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First Tee — Green Valley Ranch |
2020 U.S. Girls’ Junior, Colorado Golf Association |
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First Tee — Howard County |
2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, Maryland State Golf Association |
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First Tee — Indiana |
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First Tee — Louisville |
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First Tee — Lowcountry |
2020 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur |
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First Tee — Massachusetts |
Mass. Golf Association |
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First Tee — Metropolitan New York |
2020 U.S. Open, 2020 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Metropolitan Golf Association |
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First Tee — Mid-Michigan |
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First Tee — Monterey County |
2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — New Hampshire |
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First Tee — Northwest Florida |
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First Tee — Omaha |
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First Tee — Pine Mountain |
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First Tee — San Diego |
2021 U.S. Open, Southern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — San Joaquin (Calif.) |
2021 U.S. Women’s Open |
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First Tee — Siouxland |
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First Tee — Tennessee |
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First Tee — Piney Woods |
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First Tee — Phoenix |
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First Tee — Pikes Peak |
2020 U.S. Girls’ Junior, Colorado Golf Association |
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First Tee — Roanoke Valley |
2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur, Virginia State Golf Association |
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First Tee — San Francisco |
2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — San Juan County, N.M. |
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First Tee — Sandhills |
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First Tee — Silicon Valley |
2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — South Dakota |
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First Tee — Tri-Valley |
2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association |
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First Tee — Triad |
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First Tee — Twin Cities |
2020 U.S. Junior Amateur, Minnesota Golf Association |
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First Tee — Upstate |
2020 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Carolinas Golf Association |
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First Tee — Virginia Blue Ridge |
2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur |
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First Tee — West Michigan |
2020 U.S. Senior Amateur, Golf Association of Michigan |
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First Tee — West Virginia |
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Media Contacts: |
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Danny Vohden USGA Communications Sara Henika First Tee 904-881-7398 |
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