|
Finchem Announces TPC Relationship With The First Tee Contact Amy Caruso DEARBORN, Mich. (July 9, 2003) - PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem today announced the support of the Tournament Players Club Network (TPCs) to develop localized programs with The First Tee Chapters across the country. In addition to becoming access affiliates, these programs will provide Chapters with use of the TPC facilities, fundraising assistance and more. "I am delighted to make this announcement today, which essentially formalizes the Network-wide involvement of an arrangement already in place between several TPCs and The First Tee facilities across the country," said Finchem, who also serves as Chairman of the World Golf Foundation. "This relationship is really a natural extension of the TOUR's partnership with The First Tee through expanded support and utilization of the TPC facilities." Currently, there are 23 TPCs open in the United States with two more scheduled to open by 2005. Joining Finchem for the announcement, which was made at the TPC of Michigan where the FORD SENIOR PLAYERS Championship begins on Thursday, was Wayne Doran, Chairman of the PGA TOUR Properties Board and former Chairman of the Board for The First Tee of Michigan. Steve Munch, General Manager and Director of Golf for the TPC of Michigan and Lisa Woodcox, Executive Director of The First Tee of Michigan also were in attendance. "The importance and success of The First Tee of Michigan and the effect it has already had on inner city youth has been far greater than our expectations," said Doran. "We are committed to the continuation of this program and our plans for the expansion and growth of The First Tee program is a primary concern to all of us." "The Tournament Players Club of Michigan is honored to have the opportunity to assist The First Tee of Michigan with golf course availability for its participants as well as lending support to their fundraising efforts," said Munch, who also serves on the board of The First Tee of Michigan. "All golf courses, public or private, have a vested interest in not only growing the game of golf but also showcasing the life skills that can be learned through this great game." The TPC of Michigan has been working with The First Tee of Michigan since 2001 and hosts an annual fundraising tournament each August. The staff also has invited high-level achievers from The First Tee to play the course. Ford Motor Company spearheaded the initial effort to organize The First Tee of Michigan Chapter and made a contribution of $2.5 million toward the renovation of the Belle Isle Practice Center in the City of Detroit, which is the Home of The First Tee of Detroit. The three main initiatives of the relationship include: making the facilities available for one golf outing/fundraising event annually for the local Chapters; offering fundraising programs such as counter promotions in the golf shop or locker room areas; and providing a limited number of starting times available in off-peak times to high level achievers in The First Tee program. "The Tournament Players Clubs are pleased to support The First Tee and its Chapters through this relationship," said Pete Davison, Senior Vice President and COO of the Tournament Players Clubs. "The PGA TOUR has long been a proponent of junior golf and introducing the game to youth and we are glad to be able to provide usage of the TPC facilities in order to assist The First Tee in carrying out its mission." Other TPCs providing fundraising support to local Chapters of The First Tee include the TPC of the Twin Cities and the TPC of Virginia Beach. Other TPCs have been offering Chapters assistance in programs and include invitations to TPC-hosted PGA TOUR Charities Area-Wide Junior Clinics. "Having the support of the Tournament Players Clubs across the country is a great asset to many of The First Tee Chapters," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Executive Director, The First Tee. "We will encourage our Chapters to work closely with the TPCs to maximize the potential of this relationship and to create additional opportunities that they may pursue." The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has opened over 120 golf learning facilities and has introduced the game of golf to over 170,000 young people since 2000. The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. As sole founding partner of World Golf Village, Shell Oil Company provides financial support to the World Golf Foundation and supports its charitable initiatives aimed at introducing golf to young people, thereby promoting scholastic achievement, community service and those values intrinsic to the game of golf. |