PGA, Honda Classic and PGA Tour donate to First Tee program
03/06/07 -- PGA - PALM BEACH GARDENS,
Fla. -- The PGA of America joined the Honda Classic and PGA Tour in presenting a
check for $106,000 to the First Tee National School Program, a nationwide
initiative to inject golf into the curriculum of elementary and middle school
children. The donation will enable the purchase of equipment for 50 Palm Beach
County (Fla.) elementary and middle schools, provide golf training for teachers
and impact an estimated 35,000 local elementary students.
The presentation was made by PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka,
who announced the Association's five-year commitment of $250,000 to The First
Tee National School Program, as well as mutually agreed upon programs benefiting
Palm Beach County youth. Joining Steranka at the ceremony was golfing legend
Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara Nicklaus, who is chair of the Nicklaus Children's
Health Care Foundation, which supports The First Tee National School Program (NSP).
With 350 PGA Professionals employed in Palm Beach County, more than 2,700 holes
of golf and approximately 4 million rounds played each year within its borders,
Steranka said, "This places Palm Beach County as a leader in golf participation
nationwide.
"The PGA of America is delighted to partner with The Honda Classic and PGA Tour
in supporting this local initiative to attract more youngsters to the game of
golf and to provide the best available instruction. The PGA of America has been
a longtime supporter of The First Tee, and we are excited that Palm Beach
County's schools will join in an ongoing program to grow participation in golf."
For the past four years, Barbara Nicklaus has guided the Nicklaus Children's
Health Care Foundation. She praised the new partnership between The PGA of
America and The Honda Classic.
"It is one thing to have a partnership between The Honda Classic and The First
Tee National School Program, but to have The PGA of America come in as a partner
is just a wonderful thing for so many children in our area," said Barbara
Nicklaus, who also chairs the year-old Children's Healthcare Charity Inc., which
operates The Honda Classic. "This program will continue to grow with the
expertise of PGA Professionals and impact thousands of children."
The check was presented to Michael Cooper, of Tampa, Fla., regional manager
Southeast Region of the NSP, and Fred Barch, of West Palm Beach, Fla., an
administrator representing the School District of Palm Beach County.
"This is one of the most significant partnerships we have in the entire National
School Program," said Cooper. "It is amazing how many schools and how many
participants we potentially have in Palm Beach County. I can't think of a better
launch. I think we will be O.K.!"
The first group of Palm Beach County Schools that will participate in the
program are: Palmetto Elementary, Lantana Elementary, Starlight Cove Elementary,
Rolling Green Elementary, U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary, Egret Lake Community
Elementary, Forest Park Elementary, Cypress Trails Elementary, Orchard View
Community Elementary, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, Northboro Elementary,
Seminole Trails Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Liberty Park Elementary and
Lake Park Elementary.
"This program is much more than teaching the game of golf," said Barch, a
science education instructor. "It is what Barbara Nicklaus has said, ?It teaches
the game of life through the game of golf.' There are nine core values which are
emphasized in The First Tee Program: confidence, integrity, sportsmanship,
respect, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, good judgment and honesty. We
see this as the beginning of a wonderful new relationship with The PGA of
America."
The First Tee National School Program is an initiative of the World Golf
Foundation. The program has impacted more than 490,000 students at 1,100
elementary schools nationwide during its first three years. Middle schools will
be added to the list in 2007-08.
The golf curriculum is taught during physical education classes. Teachers are
trained and provided with all of the equipment they need to implement the
program. Golf community Professionals then provide teachers with information on
opportunities for the kids to play and be involved with golf in their community.
They also often visit schools and conduct clinics and other programs designed to
enhance the instruction taking place in the physical education classes. The hope
is that students will recognize golf as a lifelong recreation and physical
fitness activity.
"We have a responsibility to give back to the game of golf," said Kenneth R.
Kennerly, executive director of The Honda Classic. "The First Tee National
School Program is a very important incentive for us."
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.
