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U.S. Ryder Cup Team Donates $2.6 Million Through PGA Of America Team Members Contribute to Charities and Golf For Business and Life Programs at Universities Contact Beth Gast PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla. (January 23, 2003) - In keeping with its plan established in 1999, The PGA of America will again distribute a total of $2.6 million to charities and universities throughout the nation on behalf of the American participants in the 2002 Ryder Cup Team Matches. With this donation, a total of $5.2 million has been distributed as designated by the 1999 and 2002 U.S. Ryder Cup Teams. A total of 35 charities, 15 universities through The PGA of America's Golf: For Business and Life Program, and the National Disaster Relief Fund have benefited from the prestigious 2002 U.S. Ryder Team. Each player and the Captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team generously contributed a total of $200,000 to various charitable categories. The 13 participants each designated $80,000 to the 501 (c)(3) charities of their choice ($1,040,000 million in total), $80,000 ($1,040,000 million in total) to the universities of their choice and another $40,000 ($520,000 in total) to the National Disaster Relief Fund. "The PGA of America is happy to be able to contribute these funds on behalf of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team," said PGA of America President M.G. Orender. "The Ryder Cup Matches is one of the most exciting and unique events in sports. In addition to competing for their own country, the players are able to make a long-term difference by giving back to charities in various communities." In support of The PGA of America's Growth of the Game Initiative, Golf: For Business & Life, 15 universities will receive funds to help introduce golf to college junior and seniors, familiarize them with the game of golf and teach them how to use golf as a business tool. "I think it's great that The PGA of America is helping to increase the visibility of golf by bringing it to the universities," said 2002 Ryder Cup Captain, Curtis Strange. The Golf: For Business & Life program mirrors a pilot program at Purdue University, founded by golf course architect Pete Dye and his wife, Alice, a noted amateur golfer and former member of The PGA of America Board of Directors. The program, taught by PGA professionals, is designed to acquaint students with the business opportunities that golf provides as a sport for life. The classes teach students how to use golf as a business tool in any chosen career, educates them about career opportunities that are available in the golf industry and provides them with golf instruction and etiquette. Additionally, business leaders are asked to address classes about how golf has enhanced their business. With this latest contribution, the program will be offered to 35 universities nationwide. More than 4,000 college juniors and seniors, representing 24 institutions, have participated in Golf: For Business & Life programs. The PGA of America is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1916 to promote golf and enhance the livelihood of its members. The Association is comprised of more than 27,000 men and women professionals who are dedicated to growing the game. |