Governor DeSantis Supports the First Tee Florida Chapters through Inaugural ‘Florida Governor’s Cup.’

St. Augustine, Fla. (June 6, 2019) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis served as host at the inaugural Florida Governor’s Cup on June 3, raising approximately $500,000 for the First Tee, a nonprofit youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character and life skills through the game of golf. The event took place Monday, June 3 at the Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Fla., bringing together members of the Florida Legislature and the Executive Branch for a 27-hole Ryder Cup-style event. Executive team won the inaugural competition, 14-10. Proceeds from the charity golf event will allow the First Tee to expand and deepen its impact in the state of Florida through grants to chapters, training and education and college scholarships. “I was honored to serve as the host of the inaugural Florida Governor’s Cup to benefit chapters of the First Tee throughout the state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The mission of the First Tee aligns perfectly with our goal of creating more opportunities for young Floridians from all walks of life to be successful. I am proud of what we accomplished this first year and look forward to future Governor’s Cups with the First Tee to benefit our leaders of tomorrow.” “With support from the Florida Governor’s Cup, we’re able to fund programs state-wide so we can reach more young people and help them develop into leaders in their communities,” said First Tee President Greg McLaughlin. “We look forward to partnering with the Governor for years to come and having a lasting impact in the Florida communities we serve.” Florida is home to First Tee’s headquarters in St. Augustine and 12 chapters: Central Florida, Clearwater, Greater Ocala, Lakeland, Miami, Naples/Collier, North Florida, Northwest Florida, Sarasota/Manatee, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and the Palm Beaches. State-wide, the First Tee is reaching more than 16,000 young people annually at more than 125 program locations, with support from 1,700 volunteers. Additionally, First Tee has been introduced to more than 1,100 schools and youth centers, reaching thousands of additional kids throughout the state. For more information about First Tee and its mission, visit www.firsttee.org. ### About First Tee First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its beginning in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Its headquarters are in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. Contact Sara Henika, First Tee (904) 940-4341, [email protected]