$1.6 Million in USGA Grants Announced

February 10, 2005
E-mail address: mediarelations@usga.org 

Colorado Springs Colo. -- The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced 57 new grants totaling $1,662,305 to non-profit organizations across the country to support affordable and accessible golf programs and facilities.  These new awards for the first portion of 2005 will reach more than 50,000 kids and individuals with disabilities as part of the USGA's effort to bring golf to non-traditional audiences who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play.

USGA funding has exceeded $45-million in its effort over the past eight years to support golf instruction, equipment, access and course construction costs, and to make golf more accessible and affordable.
 
"The USGA has been making grants for many years now and the success and need of these programs motivates us to keep at it," said USGA President Fred Ridley.  "We are excited to continue our support for several large-scale national initiatives as well as leverage community support for grassroots start-up golf programs and projects on the local level."   

The Babe and George Zaharias Golf Foundation of Tampa, Fla., was awarded a $15,000 grant from the USGA for support of its program serving individuals with disabilities from Camp Florida, a Rotary International-owned facility, as well as abused and neglected children residing at the Children's Home of Tampa.  The Foundation was founded in 1999 by Hal Shaw who worked for the three-time U.S. Women's Open champion, Babe Zaharias, in the 1950s. 

Shaw, much like many who came into contact with Zaharias, viewed her as an inspiration and a mentor.  Because Shaw spent much of his childhood working for her and spending time with her, he was aware of her dream to start a foundation and build a facility similar to that of the Ronald McDonald house on 40 acres of land.  Babe envisioned the foundation serving individuals with disabilities and economically disadvantaged kids who would stay and play at the course.  After her death, Shaw continued to pursue the game, compete in golf and always kept her dream for a foundation in the back of his mind.

The Babe and George Zaharias Foundation's golf program began serving individuals with disabilities from Shriner Hospital and Camp Florida in 2002.  The Foundation partnered with the Children's Home of Tampa in 2004 and is now discussing the possibility of constructing a nine-hole golf facility accessible to those with disabilities on 40 acres of land owned by the Children's Home.  This will enable Shaw to follow-through on the vision of Babe Zaharias.   

"The USGA is proud to support an organization and a leader such as Shaw who is dedicated to fulfilling Babe's dream and offering golf to those who otherwise would never be exposed to the game," said Jim Bunch, USGA Grants Committee Chairman.  "Babe is one of golf's heroes who had struggles of her own to play the game.  She remains a tremendous inspiration in the game of golf and the USGA is truly honored to assist in helping those individuals carry out her mission.  Just think, Babe's dream will make a real difference." 
           
In addition to supporting many local programs and projects, the USGA pledged its support of several national initiatives including, LPGA-USGA Girls' Golf, The National Alliance for Youth Sports' Hook A Kid on Golf Program and Kids On Course, a course access partnership with the National Golf Course Owner's Association.

LPGA Foundation (Daytona Beach, Fla.)
A $200,000 grant will support the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf initiative, a joint partnership between the USGA and the LPGA Foundation.  In 2005, Girls Golf is projected to reach 5,200 girls nationwide at 220 sites across the country.  The majority of funds from this grant ($150,000) will be distributed to local sites as matching grant awards to help cover costs associated with golf course and driving range access, equipment, and instruction.

National Alliance For Youth Sports (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
This $100,000 grant supports local matching grants for the Hook a Kid on Golf Tee Level clinics.  The week-long clinics, developed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, provide beginner-level instruction and a free set of starter clubs for participants.  Up to 2,000 youths nationwide will have program fees covered through this matching grant program.  USGA funds will be provided, up to $1,000 per clinic, to pay the $100 program fee for economically disadvantaged youth.

National Golf Course Owners Association (Mount Pleasant, S.C.)
A $100,000 grant will support the continuation and expansion of the Kids on Course Partnership with the NGCOA, through which participants in USGA-supported programs are able to obtain $1 course access after becoming ready to play.  Currently, 72 programs are registered and more than 4,150 kids have received access cards. 

USGA Grants Initiative: A Capsule History
The United States Golf Association works to make the game of golf affordable and accessible. Since 1997, the grants initiative has traditionally focused on programming for economically disadvantaged kids and individuals with disabilities. The USGA Executive Committee has extended this grants initiative to the end of the decade, bringing total anticipated USGA support to $65 million to provide financial support and assistance to deserving golf programs.  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.

The USGA Museum is hosting an exhibit featuring Babe Zaharias and her multifaceted athletic career until March 31, 2005.  For more information, please call (908) 234-2300.