by Marc Young
published on Wednesday, October 11, 2006

The Professional Golfing Association of America announced the donations to members of its Golf: For Business & Life program in September, and ASU was among those awarded.

PGA announced a sum of $50,000 that will likely go to the Professional Golf Management program at Polytechnic campus. The donation was announced in conjunction with the 36th Ryder Cup, played in Ireland Sept. 22-24.

PGM Director Curt Hudek said the money will fund more opportunities to introduce new individuals to golf.

The U.S. Ryder Cup members were given $200,000 each. Half was designated to the Golf: For Business & Life program and the other half kept as a reward for playing in the cup, said Hudek, also a PGA member.

Team member Phil Mickelson is the tributary for the ASU donation, but he split the $100,000 difference between ASU and the University of San Diego.

PGM is one of seventeen schools accredited with the PGA, which is a not-for-profit organization.

"Ninety-five percent of the people who have graduated from our program are working in either a golf shop or as an assistant professional, managing a golf shop, said Internship Coordinator and PGA Member Geoff Huston.

Huston said about three people from the program are playing professionally.

Mickelson, a U.S. team member and ASU alumnus, said, "[The] program is an outstanding way to help grow the game and at the same time introduce or reinforce an important asset for young businessmen and women."

According to a release from the PGA, Mickelson's total donation to the institution is more than $200,000.

Reach the reporter at: marc.young@asu.edu