USGA Awards More Than $360,000 To 10 Local Chapters Of The First Tee
February 17, 2004 Colorado Springs, Colo. - The United States Golf Association has awarded more than $360,000 in funding to 10 chapters of The First Tee. The USGA is the largest direct supporter of local programs of The First Tee, and since 1997 has awarded more than $7.1 million to these successful programs.

The most recent awards - given to 68 non-profit organizations across the country - are part of the USGA's ongoing $5-million annual grants initiative to grow the game of golf and help disadvantaged youth and individuals with disabilities gain self-esteem and confidence. The USGA Executive Committee voted on Feb. 6 to extend USGA grant-making to the end of the decade, bringing total USGA support to $70 million. Since 1997, the USGA has given more than $40 million in grants, $11.1 million of which has been in support of The First Tee, an amount which includes $7.1 million to local chapters and $4 million to the home office.

"The strength of The First Tee program is the local chapters which each day bring the game of golf to thousands. That is why the USGA is so proud to provide financial support and hands-on assistance directly to local chapters," said Judy Bell, past USGA President and member of The First Tee's Oversight Committee.

Local chapters of The First Tee use USGA funding for a variety of projects, including course construction, golf instruction and equipment, transportation and other day-to-day program needs. The First Tee chapters submit grant applications directly to the USGA. Applications are reviewed and funds awarded on a case-by-case basis.

"The USGA has been with us since day one," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Executive Director of The First Tee. "The Association is the largest single direct funder of our local programs, and its continued support of individual chapters is invaluable in ensuring that programs are successful and sustainable."

The USGA is a founding member of The First Tee and the USGA is serving on the organization's oversight committee.

Below are brief summaries of the most recent funding provided by the USGA to The First Tee programs:



YMCA of West Central Florida (Lakeland, Fla.)
This $100,000 grant supports the general construction costs of The First Tee of Lakeland at the YMCA's 9-hole, par-3 course. The First Tee of Lakeland will be constructing and renovating the Publix Par-3 Golf Center, a 45-year old lighted facility. The golf course and program are expected to reach more than 1,000 young people each year, as well as 1,500 seniors, individuals with disabilities, college students, and parents. Contact: Alice Slack Collins, President/CEO (863) 644-3528



Portland Youth Golf Association (Portland, Ore.)
This $50,000 three-year grant supports a year-round program reaching more than 600 disadvantaged youths at The First Tee of Portland. In 2004, the staff of the program plans to increase its reach by 100 participants and continue to provide PGA instruction, course access, and an extensive life skills curriculum. Specifically, USGA funds will be used for instruction, course access, transportation, and clubs and bags. Contact: Robert Clark, Executive Director (503) 281-4769



Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge, La.)
This $50,000 partial matching grant supports the start-up of the Partner's Golf League, a golf league that teams up individuals with disabilities with able-bodied mentors. This program will reach 280 "teams" of golfers at The First Tee of East Baton Rouge Parish through clinics, league play, and tournament play. USGA funds will cover instruction, therapy, and course-access costs for the program. Contact: Jack Terry, Golf Pro (225) 273-6405



Felton Dean Minority and Disadvantaged Youth Sports Foundation (Lawton, Okla.)
This $40,000 partial matching grant supports The First Tee of Lawton golf programming, which is expected to reach 675 junior golfers in 2004, many of whom are economically disadvantaged. Programming is conducted at the Island Greens Golf Course, as well as at two affiliate courses. Every program session involves a tutoring component. USGA funds will cover instruction, course access, and range access costs associated with the program. Contact: Felton Dean, President (580) 536-5794



Mississippi County Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. (Blytheville, Ark.)
This $35,000 matching grant supports The First Tee of Northeast Arkansas by providing funds for instruction. The program is expected to reach 2,700 youths in 2004 in towns across northeast Arkansas. The year-round program reaches kids through in-school programs as well as after-school programs. The First Tee of Northeast Arkansas supported 2,200 youths in 2003 and plans to continue expanding for the next three years. Contact: C.W. Cummings, Community Services Director (870) 532-2348



The First Tee of Birmingham (Birmingham, Ala.)
This $25,000 grant supports course access and instruction costs for The First Tee of Birmingham's junior golf program. This program is expected to reach 3,000 youths with in-school, after-school, and summer programming as well as weekend clinics. Programming currently takes place at Highland Park Golf Course, but will move to a program-owned facility once construction is completed in June 2004. Contact: Nathan Grube, Executive Director (205) 967-4745



Friends of John A. White Park, Inc. (Atlanta, Ga.)
This $20,000 grant supports Camp Best Friends, a summer camp held at The First Tee of Atlanta at John A. White Park. The summer camp is expected to reach 150 economically-disadvantaged youths and meets five days a week for eight weeks. The First Tee of Atlanta also operates after-school programming and weekend clinics, reaching 1,100 youths total. Funds will be used for instruction. Contact: James Gabrielsen, President (404) 237-6646



The First Tee Chapter of the Sandhills, Inc. (Vass, N.C.)
This $15,000 grant will enable The First Tee of the Sandhills to offer PGA instruction year-round to 100 youths within the Sandhills region of North Carolina. The First Tee of the Sandhills is also implementing after-school programming in 12 elementary schools and six middle schools reaching nearly 3,240 youths. USGA funds will specifically be allocated to course and driving range access for the year-round programming. Contact: Al Arrigoni, Executive Director (910) 692-1941



The First Tee of Spartanburg (Spartanburg, S.C.)
This $15,840 grant will assist The First Tee of Spartanburg with course access and instruction costs for its First Swings golf program. Programming will be operated four days a week in one-week sessions throughout the summer and will reach 180 economically disadvantaged youths. Contact: Mike Byce, Executive Director (864) 579-0360



The Seacoast Golf Academy Inc. (North Hampton, N.H.)
This $12,200 partial challenge grant will assist with the growth of a 17-week junior golf program at The First Tee of Seacoast. The program is expected to reach 350 youths, many of who will be from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. With the opportunity to participate in three different camps, youths will receive golf-centered instruction with an emphasis on the many life skills it exemplifies. Specifically, USGA funds will be used toward instruction, equipment, and transportation. Contact: William Burbank, Executive Director (603) 964-3033



USGA Grants Initiative: A Capsule History
The USGA works to make the game of golf affordable and accessible. Since 1997, it has awarded more than $40 million as part of its ongoing $5-million annual grants initiative to provide financial support and assistance to deserving golf programs. On Feb. 6, the USGA Executive Committee voted to extend grant making to the end of the decade, bringing total USGA support to $70 million. The grants initiative traditionally focuses on programming for economically disadvantaged youth and individuals with disabilities. Beyond its Grants Initiative, the USGA partners with national organizations to promote affordable and accessible facility development, course access, girls' golf, and initiatives for individuals with disabilities.

For more information on the USGA Grants Initiative, contact the Grants office at (719) 471-4810 or visit the Grants Section of the USGA Web site at www.usga.org.