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The First Tee returns to THE PLAYERS Championship 2019 with interactive experiences for kids and families

Hundreds of local kids to be rewarded with complimentary trip to THE PLAYERS, March 12-17

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – March 1, 2019 – The First Tee, a youth development organization dedicated to helping kids build character through the game of golf, will return to THE PLAYERS Championship, March 12-17, with a dedicated, immersive and interactive area for kids and families to enjoy all week.

The First Tee’s mission will come to life through two interactive and free venues, the Kids Zone presented by The First Tee and the 17^th Hole Challenge presented by Optum, Morgan Stanley and Grant Thornton. Both experiences are located in THE PLAYERS Welcome Experience at the Nicklaus Entry and will be open from Tuesday through Sunday during tournament hours.

The Kids Zone presented by The First Tee is an immersive destination where kids and families can experience first-hand the fun, interactive and positive attributes of golf through The First Tee. The 2,500-square-foot, air-conditioned venue will feature golf-themed games and activities that introduce kids to the sport and The First Tee’s signature programs currently offered in the U.S. and select international locations. On-site highlights include The First Tee’s par-3 Mini-Golf Challenge, a golf simulator, digital photo booth, The First Tee Target Wall and parent recharge stations with a live feed of the tournament.

The 17^th Hole Challenge presented by Optum, Morgan Stanley and Grant Thornton will allow fans to take their shot at a scaled version of the par-3 17th at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. Fans will have two free shots to try and hit the green and win prizes. Fans will have the option to purchase either a third shot for $5 or a Fast Pass for $20, with proceeds benefiting The First Tee of North Florida.

Throughout the week, The First Tee will host hundreds of students from Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia who are learning golf and core values through the in-school and after-school programs. The field trips are an opportunity for The First Tee’s program partners at select elementary schools, YMCA’s and Boys and Girls Clubs to visit the interactive venues and experience the game at the highest level.

“The First Tee is the place for kids to be introduced to this great, life-long sport and we look forward to using the Kids Zone presented by The First Tee as a launching point for many kids to start their journey with the game,” said The First Tee President Gregory T. McLaughlin. “We are proud to provide an excellent experience for kids and families to get a taste of The First Tee on the international stage of THE PLAYERS Championship.”

Golf is a sport the whole family can play, watch and enjoy, making the Kids Zone presented by The First Tee at THE PLAYERS the perfect destination for families. Thanks to one of the most kid-friendly policies in all of sport, there is no limit to the number of youth (18 and under) admitted FREE with one ticketed adult. In addition, THE PLAYERS offers a Family Plan package that makes the tournament even more affordable.

Reaching five million kids annually, The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values through programs in all 50 states and select international locations. The First Tee of North Florida provides programs to youth throughout northeast Florida on golf courses, in elementary schools and at youth centers. The First Tee of North Florida will be accepting summer registrations online for kids ages 5-18 during and after THE PLAYERS.

To learn more about The First Tee, please visit:

www.firsttee.org

www.instagram.com/thefirsttee

www.facebook.com/thefirsttee

www.twitter.com/thefirsttee

More information about THE PLAYERS is available at THEPLAYERS.com.

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About THE PLAYERS Championship

THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the best field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Optum®, Morgan Stanley and Grant Thornton LLP are the exclusive Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled $100 million since the event moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977, including a record $9 million generated in 2018. For more on THE PLAYERS, visit THEPLAYERS.com. For more on the surrounding areas, visit floridashistoriccoast.com or visitjacksonville.com.

About The First Tee

The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida, The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. Each year, The First Tee brings character education through the game of golf to more than 5 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501c3.

About Optum

Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 135,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH).

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment

banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in

more than 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations,

governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please

visit http://www.morganstanley.com.

About Grant Thornton LLP

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton, which has revenues in excess of $1.8 billion and operates 58 offices, works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.

“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.

Greg McLaughlin named World Golf Foundation CEO & President of The First Tee

Newly consolidated role to bring together direction and leadership of World Golf Foundation,
The First Tee, World Golf Hall of Fame;
Miller Brady named PGA TOUR Champions President as McLaughlin’s successor

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (November 28, 2018) – The World Golf Foundation Board of Directors announced today that Greg McLaughlin will assume the combined roles and responsibilities of World Golf Foundation Chief Executive Officer & President of The First Tee. McLaughlin most recently served as President of PGA TOUR Champions, since January 2015; prior to his role at the TOUR, he was CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation for 14 years.

McLaughlin will strategically direct the World Golf Foundation, The First Tee and World Golf Hall of Fame, expanding the reach, impact and global prominence of each and ensuring financial performance and sustainability. McLaughlin will serve as a leader among the world’s top golf organizations, and a key ambassador and spokesperson for the game of golf.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to this incredibly important new role,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation Chairman and PGA TOUR Commissioner. “I’m not sure we could have asked for a more qualified, passionate leader, considering his deep level of experience and executive leadership success within the golf world and beyond. Given the scope of this newly consolidated role – to further the World Golf Foundation’s mission and build upon the vision of The First Tee – his proven ability to build relationships at the highest level of the sports, business and not-for-profit communities is unique and will be invaluable. This restructure represents an exciting evolution for the World Golf Foundation, and Greg is the perfect person to take the mantle.”

World Golf Foundation Board Member and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan added, “Greg will be a perfect fit in this new role. He is an authentic, proven leader who delivers on so many important attributes – he’s experienced, passionate and a visionary. Specifically, I think Greg will instantly connect with The First Tee chapters, donors and participants. With Greg at the helm, and given his ability to build lasting partnerships, this will be an exciting time for The First Tee and the World Golf Foundation.”

“As a member of the greater golf community for more than 30 years, I have always been proud of what the collective efforts of our sport have done and continue to do to inspire communities and change lives, especially for young people who can learn and grow through the values of golf,” said McLaughlin. “This is an exciting time in the evolution of the World Golf Foundation and, specifically, The First Tee, and I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to lead our industry’s efforts to increase participation and global awareness of golf as a sport that is welcoming to all.”

McLaughlin joined the PGA TOUR in 2014, initially as Senior Vice President of the TOUR’s Championship Management division; he was promoted to PGA TOUR Champions President in 2015 and Executive Vice President of the PGA TOUR in 2018. McLaughlin has been instrumental in the success of PGA TOUR Champions, overseeing a record-setting 20-year marketing partnership with Charles Schwab & Co., the implementation of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and the addition of several new title sponsors and markets.

Prior to joining the Tiger Woods Foundation in 2000, McLaughlin was the Vice President of Tournaments at the (now-named) Genesis Open, Honda Classic and BMW Championship.
McLaughlin graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Economics. He also received his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Ten-year World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona will assist McLaughlin with the transition, as Executive Director of WE ARE GOLF and Senior Advisor, before retiring later next year. In addition, 25-year golf industry veteran, Jack Peter, who has made significant contributions including overseeing the design, build out and operation of PGA TOUR Entertainment and most recently, helping to bring the World Golf Hall of Fame to global prominence in his role as President, will retire from his position at the end of the year.

“I’d like to thank Jack for his incredible leadership through the years, specifically his success in raising the profile of the of the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum,” added Monahan.
Brodie Waters, World Golf Hall of Fame Vice President of Business Affairs, will lead the Hall of Fame structure, funding and operations with McLaughlin’s oversight, and will also oversee PR/communications activities for the World Golf Foundation.

Miller Brady, a 19-year veteran of the PGA TOUR, will succeed McLaughlin to lead PGA TOUR Champions. Brady steps into the role after most recently working under McLaughlin as Senior Vice President & Chief of Operations, where his responsibilities have included direct oversight of tournament business affairs, operations, competitions and player relations as well as scheduling. In previous roles at the TOUR, Brady gained valuable experience within the Corporate Marketing department and as Special Assistant to the Commissioner (Tim Finchem) during the development of the FedExCup. Brady began working in the sports industry in 1996 with Advantage International (now Octagon), overseeing BMW’s grassroots golf program and eventually Bank of America’s PGA TOUR Sponsorship of the West Coast Swing. He is from Atlanta and is a graduate of Georgia Southern University.

About the World Golf Foundation
The mission of the World Golf Foundation is to unite the golf industry in support of initiatives that enhance the growth of and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others. In support of that mission, World Golf Foundation focuses on a variety of initiatives to grow and celebrate the game of golf around the world. Through The First Tee, the World Golf Foundation focuses on positively impacting the lives of young people. Under the banner of the World Golf Hall of Fame, it recognizes and celebrates golf’s greatest players and contributors and serves as an inspiration to golfers and fans worldwide. The World Golf Foundation’s GOLF 20/20 initiative pursues programs to ensure golf’s continued growth and vitality. All World Golf Foundation initiatives work together to support the growth of the game among youth, women and minorities, while also fostering diversity within the golf industry. The World Golf Foundation also supports the golf industry in a variety of other roles, including acting as a centralized vehicle for communicating the industry’s initiatives to the media, providing a forum for golf’s organizations to collaborate on initiatives of mutual importance and commissioning and disseminating to golf’s stakeholders research on key aspects of the game.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida, The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Johnson & Johnson is The First Tee’s Legacy Partner and Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501c3.

About PGA TOUR Champions
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. In 2019, the PGA TOUR Champions schedule will include 27 tournaments across the United States, Japan, England and Canada, with purses totaling nearly $58 million. The Charles Schwab Cup, which includes the Regular Season and the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, is used to determine the season-long champion. All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 190 countries and territories, reaching more than 330 million potential households. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, Facebook, Twitter (@ChampionsTour) and Instagram (@pgatourchampions).

THE FIRST TEE AND CHARITYBUZZ PARTNER FOR NATIONAL AUCTION OFFERING INCREDIBLE GOLF AND LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCES TO BENEFIT THE FIRST TEE’S YOUTH PROGRAMS, AUG. 21-SEPT. 12

“The First Tee National Auction by Charitybuzz” kicks off live at THE NORTHERN TRUST GOLF TOURNAMENT in Paramus, NJ

New York, NY (Aug. 21, 2018) — Fun and philanthropy collide as Charitybuzz, the world’s premiere auction site for cause, and The First Tee, the non-profit, national youth sports organization, partner for “The First Tee National Auction by Charitybuzz.”

The national auction, which runs from Tuesday, August 21, through Tuesday, September 12, offers once-in-a-lifetime golf and lifestyle experiences to benefit The First Tee and their national programs that positively impact the lives of millions of kids.

Through our chapters, in-school and after-school programs, The First Tee helps shape and impact the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing its Nine Core Values, such as integrity, respect and perseverance, through the game of golf.

“The First Tee National Auction by Charitybuzz” kicks off at The First Tee Experience at THE NORTHERN TRUST 2018, the PGA Tour’s first FedExCup Playoffs event of the season. Fans visiting The First Tee Experience, the week-long, interactive destination for kids and families at the golf tournament, will be able to view videos of the incredible “bucket list” auction items available for bid. Visit charitybuzz.com/thefirsttee to learn more about The First Tee and view all of the auction lots for the campaign.

“We are excited to kick off The First Tee National Auction by Charitybuzz at THE NORTHERN TRUST and introduce fans around the country to these amazing auction items that help raise funds to positively impact the lives of young people,” said Keith Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer, The First Tee. “Charitybuzz has been an invaluable partner for years, and The First Tee’s chapters and Headquarters are looking forward to making 2018 our biggest and most successful campaign yet.”

Experiences up for auction to benefit The First Tee include:

A 2019 US Open Championship Pebble Beach Experience
Rounds of golf at legendary courses like Baltusrol, Merion, Hazeltine and Firestone, hosts of major championships, World Golf Championships and Ryder Cup matches
Dream golf trips to England, Scotland or Ireland, where you will have the chance to play Open Championship rotation courses like Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush, Carnoustie and Turnberry
VIP access to fan-favorite professional events like the sold-out 2018 Ryder Cup matches in Paris, and the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open
Exclusive Donald Ross golf packager with round at Hope Valley CC, Highland Country Club, and Pinehurst No.2 with private tour of the Tufts Archives and dinner at the Holly Inn
Caddie for PGA Champions TOUR Player in a private pro-am on October 15th

“The partnership between Charitybuzz and The First Tee has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for a worthy cause, and our impact only continues to grow,” said Ben Erwin, General Manager of Charitybuzz. “By working together, we’re granting even more children this unique, transformative experience with sport that The First Tee offers,” said Ben Erwin, General Manager of Charitybuzz.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the sport of golf and The First Tee’s Nine Core Values to more than 15 million kids. The First Tee offers programs in all 50 states, reaching more than five million kids annually through: The National School Program in more than 10,000 elementary schools, 150 chapters at more than 1,200 golf courses and The First Tee DRIVE at 1,300 youth centers.

Charitybuzz is the world’s premier charity auction destination, bringing its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference.

To learn more about The First Tee and view all the auction lots for this campaign, please visit charitybuzz.com/thefirsttee now through September 12, 2018.

About Charitybuzz
Charitybuzz is the leading online charity auction platform, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences and incredible luxury packages to its community of more than 200,000 high-net-worth bidders while raising funds for charitable causes around the globe. Charitybuzz auctions feature exclusive access to some of the world’s most influential personalities, including Sir Paul McCartney, Tim Cook, Beyoncé, Mick Jagger, Warren Buffett, Taylor Swift and many more. To date, Charitybuzz has raised nearly a quarter of a billion dollars for more than 4,000 non-profit organizations, including Save the Children, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, One Drop Foundation and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Charitybuzz is a member of Charity Network. Named one of Fast Company’s 2017 Most Innovative Companies, Charity Network is also parent company to Prizeo, an online sweepstakes-for-good platform; Chideo, a cause-meets-entertainment content company; and Global Philanthropy Group, a strategy consulting firm for cause. To learn more, please visit www.charitybuzz.com.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sports organization whose mission is to grow the game of golf by transforming the experience that kids (and families) have with the sport. The First Tee is engaging the next generation of fans through unique golf experiences, signature events and strategic partnerships. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the sport of golf and The First Tee’s Nine Core Values to more than 15 million kids, positively impacting their lives along the way. The First Tee offers programs in all 50 states, reaching more than 5 million kids annually through: The National School Program in more than 10,000 elementary schools, 150 chapters at more than 1,200 golf courses and The First Tee DRIVE at 1,300 youth centers. The First Tee is expanding globally and currently offers programs at six international locations.

The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Golf Channel is The First Tee’s proud media partner and former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

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Press Contacts:
Charitybuzz: Janai Speer / [email protected]
The First Tee: Jodi Davis /201-927-6171 / [email protected]

The First Tee Selects 81 Junior Golfers to Compete in PURE Insurance Championship on PGA TOUR Champions

15^th Anniversary of the one-of-a-kind tournament featuring teen golfers from The First Tee playing alongside legends of the game at Pebble Beach to Air Internationally on Golf Channel

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida – PGA TOUR Champions and The First Tee announced today the 81 junior golfers selected to play in the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, will be held September 24-30 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California, and will be televised internationally on Golf Channel.

The PURE Insurance Championship is the only event of its kind in which 81 junior golfers are teamed with 81 PGA TOUR Champions players and 162 amateurs during an official PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The juniors, ages 14 to 18, compete for the pro-junior title. Representing 22 states, the juniors were selected by a national panel of judges based on playing ability and application of the Nine Core Values and life skills learned through The First Tee’s programs.

The junior field was announced this morning on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. The show included PGA TOUR winner Jason Gore, Web.com Tour member Cameron Champ, Arizona State University football coach Herm Edwards, Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais and Golf Channel host Charlie Rymer, with 11 junior golfers receiving surprises informing them of their selection.

“We are proud to be a part of such a prestigious event that supports so many deserving young men and women from The First Tee throughout the country,” said Katherine Frattarola, Chief Marketing Officer of the PURE Group of Insurance Companies. “They are what make this tournament so special, and it’s humbling to be a part of something that has such a profound impact on their lives both on and off the course.”

As of July 11, players committed to compete in the PURE Insurance Championship include defending champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Bernhard Langer, as well as fellow World Golf Hall of Fame members Colin Montgomerie, Mark O’Meara and Sandy Lyle. Players have until Friday, September 21 to commit, with additional commitments to be announced in the coming months.

“We are proud of the junior golfers selected to play at this year’s PURE Insurance Championship,” said Keith Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee. “These 81 teens, and the event, embody The First Tee’s beliefs around the importance of fan engagement, diversity and inclusion and having a sense of civic responsibility that is expressed through our Nine Core Values.”

In this 15^th tournament year, more than 870 kids from The First Tee have played in the tournament, meeting and learning from PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field while showcasing the Nine Core Values and the leadership and life skills they have acquired at The First Tee chapters.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the sport of golf and The First Tee’s Nine Core Values to more than 15 million kids, positively impacting their lives along the way. The First Tee’s Nine Core Values are: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of 10 national opportunities provided by The First Tee headquarters to encourage and motivate kids as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.

Clint Eastwood is chairman of the event. Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course on Friday and Saturday, with the final round contested solely at Pebble Beach on Sunday.

For more information on the tournament, please visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com.

To learn more about The First Tee, please visit TheFirstTee.org.

The First Tee participants selected to play in the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship:

View Selected participants

About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.

www.attpbgolf.com
www.pureinsurancechampionship.com

About PURE
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is a member-owned reciprocal insurer dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth individuals and families. PURE provides customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud to more than 75,000 responsible, high net worth families throughout the U.S. Inspired by some of the finest policyholder-owned companies, PURE emphasizes alignment of interests and transparency. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management all contribute to highly competitive rates. In return for a fee, PURE Risk Management, LLC acts as Attorney-in-Fact for PURE. PURE membership is subject to an executed Subscriber’s Agreement & Power of Attorney. For more information or to find a local broker, visit pureinsurance.com. You can follow PURE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About PGA TOUR Champions
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. In 2018, the PGA TOUR Champions schedule includes 27 tournaments across the United States, Scotland and Canada, with purses totaling more than $56 million. The Charles Schwab Cup, which includes the Regular Season and the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, is used to determine the season-long champion. All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 190 countries and territories, reaching more than 350 million potential households. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @championstour.

THE FIRST TEE EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS & FAMILIES HITS THE NORTHERN TRUST THIS SUMMER

Free Interactive Golf Experience Debuts at the PGA TOUR’s first FedExCup Playoffs event of the season at The Ridgewood Country Club, August 21-26

PARAMUS, N.J. – June 21, 2018 – Tournament officials announced today that The First Tee, the youth sports organization whose mission is to grow the game of golf by transforming the experience that kids (and families) have with the sport, will present The First Tee Experience at THE NORTHERN TRUST 2018. This week-long, interactive destination will welcome kids of all ages to the PGA TOUR’s first FedExCup Playoffs event of the 2017-18 season at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, NJ, August 21-26.

The First Tee Experience and the tournament are free to kids under 18 years of age who are accompanied by a ticketed adult, and there is no limit to the number of youth fans admitted with that ticketed adult. In addition, THE NORTHERN TRUST launched a cost-friendly package for families looking to attend this premier event. The Family Plan includes two Good-Any-One-Day adult grounds tickets, unlimited youth admission at the gate and two $10 concession vouchers for $150. More information can be found by visiting www.thenortherntrust.com/family.

The First Tee Experience is a signature, on-the-ground, immersive event where kids (and families) can get up close and personal with The First Tee brand. The First Tee Experience at THE NORTHERN TRUST is a 3,500-square-foot, air-conditioned venue that features golf-themed games, golf-inspired social media activities and scaled versions of The First Tee’s signature programs currently offered throughout the United States and around the world. The First Tee Experience, located along the 17^th fairway adjacent to the Garden State Marketplace, will be open Tuesday – Wednesday from 10am – 4pm and Thursday – Sunday from 10am – 7pm. Click here for a dropbox link of photos that offer a sneak peak of what fans can expect at The First Tee Experience.

“The First Tee is excited to engage the next generation of kids and families at THE NORTHERN TRUST offering a new, exciting and different way for them to experience the game of golf,” said Keith Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer, The First Tee. “We are thrilled to be at this premiere PGA TOUR stop, delivering The First Tee’s positive messages and Nine Core Values to thousands of girls and boys across the Tri-State area.”

“It is an honor to work with The First Tee to provide kids and their families with an incredible experience at THE NORTHERN TRUST and to expose them to The First Tee’s mission and values,” said Julie Tyson, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Championship Management – New York and Executive Director of THE NORTHERN TRUST. “One of our key goals as a tournament is to give back to organizations that positively impact kids and to make this tournament affordable and fun for families to attend. The First Tee Experience and our ticket offerings for families accomplish just that.”

The pop-up-style, interactive event made its debut last month at THE PLAYERS Championship and travels to select golf and PGA TOUR events across the nation. The event also partners with local chapters of The First Tee to further their programs within the community.

Highlights at The First Tee Experience at THE NORTHERN TRUST include: The First Tee mini-golf challenge, an interactive Nine Core Values golf tee wall, a virtual reality gaming area, The First Tee golf simulator, The First Tee ball pit, arts & crafts activities, digital photo booths and a one-of-a-kind art installation. The First Tee Experience will also feature a recharge lounge for adults to watch the live feed of the tournament and get information on The First Tee and ways they can connect with a chapter in their hometown.

The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and teaches the Nine Core Values that are inherent to the sport – Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment.

About The First Tee

The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sports organization whose mission is to grow the game of golf by transforming the experience that kids (and families) have with the sport. The First Tee is engaging the next generation of fans through unique golf experiences, signature events and strategic partnerships. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the sport of golf and The First Tee’s Nine Core Values to more than 15 million kids, positively impacting their lives along the way. The First Tee offers programs in all 50 states, reaching more than 5 million kids annually through: The National School Program in more than 10,000 elementary schools, 150 chapters at more than 1,200 golf courses and The First Tee DRIVE at 1,300 youth centers. The First Tee is expanding globally and currently offers programs at six international locations.

To learn more about The First Tee, please visit:

www.firsttee.org
www.facebook.com/thefirsttee
www.instagram.com/thefirsttee
www.twitter.com/thefirsttee
/www.firsttee.org/blog/

ABOUT THE NORTHERN TRUST

THE NORTHERN TRUST is the first of four events in the FedExCup Playoffs, the culmination of the season-long competition that is the centerpiece of the PGA TOUR Season. Played in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area, THE NORTHERN TRUST features do-or-die drama as the top 125 players compete to advance, and for one in five, their season will end. With strong ties to the essential elements of New York culture, the event is a celebration of fashion, food and the best golfers on the planet. Many of the world’s top players have won THE NORTHERN TRUST including Adam Scott, Jason Day, Matt Kuchar and 2017 champion Dustin Johnson, who won the event for the second time in a thrilling playoff over Jordan Spieth. Since the tournament’s inception in 1967, it has generated more than $46.2 million for New York/New Jersey Metropolitan-area charities.

ABOUT NORTHERN TRUST

Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. Founded in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust has offices in the United States in 19 states and Washington, D.C., and 22 international locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of March 31, 2018, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US $8.1 trillion, and assets under management of US $1.2 trillion. For more than 125 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader for exceptional service, financial expertise, integrity and innovation. Visit northerntrust.com or follow us on Twitter @NorthernTrust.

Northern Trust Corporation, Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A., incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Global legal and regulatory information can be found at https://www.northerntrust.com/disclosures

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Contacts:
Jodi Davis
(201) 927-6171
[email protected]

Sara Henika
(904) 881-7398
[email protected]

Adam Loberstein
(904) 273-3651
[email protected]

THE FIRST TEE UNVEILS ITS FIRST-EVER INTERACTIVE GOLF EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS & FAMILIES AT THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

The First Tee Experience at THE PLAYERS Championship Debuts May 8-13

PONTE VEDRA, FL – April 25, 2018 — The First Tee, the youth sports organization that introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values, is transforming the way kids and families experience the game with the debut of The First Tee Experience at THE PLAYERS Championship. This week-long, interactive destination will welcome kids of all ages at TPC Sawgrass from May 8-13.

The First Tee Experience is a new 5,000-square-foot, air-conditioned venue located in The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation Kid Zone that features golf-themed games, golf-inspired social media activities and fun, interactive ways for fans to show off their skills and practice their trick shots. Fans can participate in scaled versions of The First Tee’s signature programs currently offered in schools, at youth centers and at golf facilities around the country and the world. The First Tee Experience will be open from Tuesday – Wednesday from 10:00am – 4:00pm and from Thursday – Sunday from 10:00am – 7:00pm.

“The First Tee is excited to be at THE PLAYERS Championship to offer a new and exciting way for kids and families to experience the game of golf,” said Keith Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer, The First Tee. “Partnering with the PGA TOUR to leverage the power and scale of events like THE PLAYERS in order to engage the next generation of kids and carry the positive messages of The First Tee is a big part of our strategy moving forward.”

Highlights include: The First Tee’s par-3 Mini-Golf Challenge, an interactive Nine Core Values golf tee wall, a virtual reality gaming area, The First Tee golf simulator presented by aboutGolf, Military Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day arts & crafts activities, digital photo booths and a one-of-a-kind, golf-inspired live interactive art installation by renowned artist Bryan Blue (Blue the Great). The First Tee Experience will also feature a recharge lounge for adults to watch the live feed of the tournament and get information on The First Tee and ways they can connect with a chapter in their hometown.

The First Tee volunteers will don custom t-shirts by Super Bowl champion and former NFL All-Pro Martellus Bennett, founder of The Imagination Agency, a multimedia production company that creates children’s content. In addition to the t-shirts, Bennett also designed The First Tee custom postcards for Military Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day.

Fans can also purchase fast pass wristbands for The 17th Hole Challenge presented by Grant Thornton, Optum and Morgan Stanley, a scaled version of 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course located in Stadium Village. Proceeds from the wristband sales will benefit The First Tee of North Florida.

Founded by golf’s governing bodies – LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA – The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values through partnerships and programs in more than 10,000 elementary schools, 1,300 youth centers and 1,200 golf facilities. Through the game, The First Tee teaches Nine Core Values that are inherent to the sport – Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment.

The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sports organization whose mission is to transform the experience that kids and families have with the sport. Reaching 5 million kids annually, The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values and positively impacts their lives through programs in elementary schools, on golf courses and at youth centers around the country and the world.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 states and at various international locations. The First Tee offers unique golf experiences at signature events and provides opportunities through its strategic partners. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Golf Channel is The First Tee’s proud media partner and former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

To learn more about The First Tee, please visit:
www.firsttee.org
www.facebook.com/thefirsttee
www.twitter.com/thefirsttee
blog.firsttee.org

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Contacts:
Jodi Davis • (201) 927-6171 • [email protected]
Sara Henika • (904) 881-7398 • [email protected]

The First Tee Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Orlando

Milestone celebrated during biennial Network Meeting attended by 1,000+ representatives

The First Tee, a youth development organization introducing golf and its inherent values to young people, is hosting its 20^th Anniversary Network Meeting in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 8-11.

Hosted at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, more than 1,000 representatives will be in attendance. This is the largest showing for The First Tee’s biennial gathering, demonstrating the network’s growth. Launching in 1997, the organization is now reaching more than 5.3 million young people annually through programs offered at golf courses, in elementary schools and at youth centers. Representatives from each area will be in attendance, as well as select participants, and for the first time, alumni.

The 20^th Anniversary Network Meeting will kick off with a performance by Javier Colon, winner of the inaugural season of the NBC television show, “The Voice”. Throughout the meeting, attendees will hear from a variety of speakers including activist, fundraiser, and TED Talk speaker, Dan Pallotta; businessman, educator and New York Times bestselling author, Stedman Graham; Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity & Inclusion at Northern Trust, Chicago, Connie L. Lindsey; and Dr. Ken Blanchard, leadership expert and co-founder of The Ken Blanchard Companies.

Golf Channel personalities Todd Lewis and Lauren Thompson will emcee The First Tee Gala Dinner on Saturday, November 11. At the diner, The First Tee Founding Corporate Partner Shell Oil Company will present eight “outstanding participants” with college scholarships.

Throughout the three days, attendees will participate in educational classes featuring professional speakers and networking sessions where they will exchange best practices.

During the meeting, Character.org will present The First Tee with the designation of 2017 National Sports Organization of Character. Character.org has been the national governing body validating school-based character development initiatives for nearly 20 years through the Schools of Character program. The Sports Organization of Character program is a new initiative that seeks to recognize exemplary organizations beyond traditional schools. This recognition comes after an almost two-year-long review process.

“This is a special moment in time for The First Tee,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “This week we will look back and celebrate the success of positively impacting more than 14 million young people since 1997. At the same time we will be inspired to drive forward and be positive force for good.”

Barrow, who has lead the organization for the last 18 years, will retire at the end of this year. Former Nickelodeon executive, Keith Dawkins, will take over as CEO in January.

Held in conjunction with the meeting is the Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit and the inaugural Alumni Summit. These summits are both interactive and educational. They focus on developing and honing skills so that young people can become leaders in their communities. Additionally, the Outreach Summit brings in-school and after-school partners together to interact and learn practical strategies for delivering The First Tee programs.

To learn more about The First Tee and its 20^th anniversary, visit firsttee.org/20years.

Justin Potwora from The First Tee of Greater Portland Wins with PGA TOUR Champions’ Bernhard Langer at PURE Insurance Championship

Langer also clinches pro competition

Justin Potwora with Pro Bernhard Langer at
PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee

Pebble Beach, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2017) – Justin Potwora from The First Tee of Greater Portland and PGA TOUR Champions professional Bernhard Langer clinched the Pro-Junior title today at the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee finishing 21 under.

Langer, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, cruised to a three-shot victory in the pro competition making it his fifth victory of the year and the 34th of his PGA TOUR Champions career.

The PURE Insurance Championship is a unique Champions Tour event that pairs junior golfers with professionals. Eighty-two juniors and pros were in the field for the tournament played at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course this weekend. Potwora, from Eugene, OR, was one of 23 junior golfers who made the cut to play the third and final round today at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Dana Condon from The First Tee of Coachella Valley with pro partner Jerry Kelly and Evan Grifffith from The First Tee of Fort Smith with pro partner Olin Browne finished 19 under to tie for second.

“It’s great to be out with these kids and teach them a couple things and just be with them, and it’s the future of our country, it’s the future, next generation.” said Langer.

“It [the experience] was almost unexplainable. It was perfect every second,” said Potwora. “You know getting out here to play the most beautiful courses in the world, to play it with some of the best golfers in the world, like Langer, and be surrounded by quality people who all have the same nine core values as me, was something really special.”

A 17-year-old senior at Marist High School, Potwora has been involved with The First Tee of Greater Portland for more than 5 years. He volunteers his time as a junior coach at the chapter and at the Egan Warming Centers for the homeless. His future goals include attending college with a focus in business or law. This past July, Potwora was surprised on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive with the news of his selection from recent NCAA star Wyndham Clark.

Langer had never won at the iconic seaside venue on the Monterey Peninsula. It was also his first win since turning 60 last month. He earned $300,000 to push his season earnings to near $3 million and extend his lead over Scott McCarron on the Charles Schwab Cup money list as he seeks his ninth money title in 10 seasons.

The First Tee of Greater Portland is one of 155 chapters across The First Tee network and reaches more than 16,000 youth annually. They offer programs at area golf facilities, at schools through The First Tee National School Program, and at youth centers through The First Tee DRIVE.

To learn more, visit www.PUREInsuranceChampionship.com, firsttee.org and www.firstteegreaterportland.org.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

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Media Contact:
Sara Henika, The First Tee (home office)
[email protected]
904-881-7398

Eighty-one juniors from The First Tee selected to compete in PURE Insurance Championship on PGA TOUR Champions

Golfers ages 14 to 18 representing 26 states to play alongside game’s legends at Pebble Beach

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – PGA TOUR Champions and The First Tee announced today the 81 junior golfers selected to play in the 2017 PURE Insurance Championship. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, will be held September 19-24 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, Calif., and will be televised internationally on Golf Channel.

During Sunday’s final round of the 2016 tournament, the PGA TOUR and Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) announced an agreement making the policyholder-owned property & casualty insurer for high net worth families the title sponsor of the longstanding event, which dates back to 2004.

“We have been anticipating this day since PURE was announced as title sponsor of this prestigious event,” said Ross Buchmueller, President & CEO of the PURE Group of Insurance Companies. “This tournament has the ability to impact the lives of youth throughout The First Tee, and we are proud to serve an integral part in the PGA TOUR’s mission of creating a strong community footprint while also helping to grow this great game.”

The 81 participants, ages 14 to 18, were selected by a national panel of judges based on playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and core values learned through their involvement with The First Tee. The juniors will be teamed with 81 PGA TOUR Champions players and 162 amateurs as they compete for the pro-junior title.

As of June 28, players currently committed to compete in the PURE Insurance Championship include World Golf Hall of Fame members Tom Watson and Colin Montgomerie, as well as three-time tournament winner Jeff Sluman and defending champion Paul Broadhurst. Players have until Friday, September 8 to commit, with additional commitments to be announced in the coming months.

The junior field was announced this morning on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. The show included PGA TOUR player Luke Donald, recent NCAA star Wyndham Clark, and Golf Channel hosts Matt Ginella and Lauren Thompson, with seven junior golfers receiving surprises informing them of their selection.

“We are proud of this year’s juniors selected for the PURE Insurance Championship” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee. “Being selected demonstrates their understanding and application of life skills, and ability to play elite golf. We appreciate our partners—PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Poppy Hills Golf Course, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel—and their commitment to the event which is a life-changing experience for the juniors.”

In this 14th tournament year, more than 790 participants from The First Tee chapters have benefited from the opportunity to play in the tournament by meeting and learning from PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field, utilizing the leadership and life skills they have acquired at their chapters.

The First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization with golf programs centered on building character through Nine Core Values™: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of 11 national opportunities provided by The First Tee home office to encourage and motivate young people as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.

For more information on the tournament, please visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com.

To learn more about The First Tee, please visit TheFirstTee.org.

View The First Tee participants selected to play in the 2017 PURE Insurance Championship

CONTACTS: Sara Henika, The First Tee, [email protected], 904-940-4341
Stewart Moore, PGA TOUR, [email protected], 904-540-2765

Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Set to Retire in 2017 as Organization Celebrates 20 Year Milestone

St. Augustine, Fla. (October 5, 2016) – After leading The First Tee from reaching hundreds of young people in 2000 to impacting more than four million annually, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. has announced his intention to step down as CEO at the end of 2017 as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary.

“Joe has served The First Tee organization, the golf community and the young people of this nation well through his visionary and impassioned leadership,” said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of The First Tee and World Golf Foundation boards. “There is little doubt that his guidance has been instrumental in bringing the organization to where it is today. We are incredibly proud of and thankful for his service to the game of golf and young people through The First Tee.”

“It is hard to put into words the incredible impact Joe has had on the growth and success of The First Tee,” said Mike Davis, USGA Executive Director/CEO and a member of the World Golf Foundation board of directors. “His tireless efforts on behalf of the millions of young people who have seen their lives enriched through the program and the game of golf serves as an inspiration for us all.”

When Barrow joined The First Tee in April of 2000, the organization had just over 100 golf facilities open or in some form of development. Often called the “Chief Evangelist,” his leadership has brought about significant growth and distribution of golf and character education to young people from all walks of life across the United States and in select international locations. Under his tutelage, The First Tee’s mission evolved from a focus on providing affordable access to the game, to flourishing as a positive youth development organization, bringing the game of golf and intentional, character-building programs to young people at more than 1,000 golf courses, 8,000 schools and more than 800 after-school locations.

A few highlights of Barrow’s career include:

Oversight of the integration of life skills and Nine Core Values into The First Tee’s programs, helping values inherent in the game—honesty, respect and perseverance—come to life through intentional curriculum and trained adults.
Taking The First Tee to where young people spend time. Barrow has guided the expansion of The First Tee National School Program to more than 8,000 elementary schools in 1,200 school districts across the country. In 2013, Barrow expanded this approach through the launch of The First Tee DRIVE, a program delivered through local partnerships with other youth serving organizations including the Ys and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Always of the mind to improve, Barrow has led the organization to unprecedented third-party research over the years to validate the efficacy of The First Tee programs, as well as to seek opportunities for enhancement, beginning first with a longitudinal study from 2005–2008, and more recently, a study on teens and alumni.

“I am deeply proud of the positive impact The First Tee has had over the years, especially the number of young people who are now in a different place because of our work,” said Barrow. “I am grateful and gratified to know our chapters will continue the mission in their communities, delivering Nine Core Values to young people from all backgrounds, and doing so not only on golf courses, but in elementary schools and at other youth serving locations. The First Tee has and always will be more than a game to the young people we reach.”

Barrow will step down at the end of 2017, when the organization is scheduled to conclude its current strategic operating phase (2011–2017). The organization is on pace to meet its goal of bringing The First Tee programs to an additional 10 million young people over that time. The First Tee will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the world of golf during the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club, and with its chapters at The First Tee Network Meeting at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Fla. November 8–11, 2017.

A formal search for Barrow’s successor will be handled by Korn Ferry’s Global Sports Practice.

Angie Dixon, executive director for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento and member of The First Tee Chapter Advisory Council, commented on behalf of the chapter network: “Mr. Barrow has made such a tremendous impact on our organization through his leadership and passion for our mission. He is a true visionary and has inspired chapter leaders to do the great work of the organization while always keeping focused on the young people. We all remember Mr. Barrow sharing with us about the African Masai tribe that places such a high value on children’s well-being that their greeting when meeting each other is “And how are the children?” to which the traditional reply is “All the children are well.” For the Masai this means life is well and the priority of keeping the young people first is in place. Mr. Barrow’s outstanding leadership has always ensured that our primary focus is the positive impact we are making in the lives of the young people we serve. Mr. Barrow thank you so much for all you have done and please know that thanks to you and your time with The First Tee, “All the children are well.”

For more information on The First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.

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Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. In 2015, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 4.7 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

Media Contact:
Jane Fader, [email protected]
904-940-4330 (work)
904-838-7273 (mobile)

PURE Insurance announced as title sponsor of annual PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links

For Immediate Release: September 19, 2016

Contact: Stewart Moore, PGA TOUR, 904.540.2765, [email protected]

The First Tee to continue as beneficiary of newly-named PURE Insurance Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The PGA TOUR and Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance today announced an agreement making the policyholder-owned property & casualty insurer for high net worth families the title sponsor of the longstanding PGA TOUR Champions event contested annually at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, Calif.

The newly-named PURE Insurance Championship will continue to bring together the Legends of the game alongside top juniors from The First Tee, with a four-year agreement in place through 2020. The Monterey Peninsula Foundation will serve as the event’s host organization.

“We are pleased to introduce PURE Insurance as the new title sponsor of one of our most cherished events, contested annually on one of the most iconic venues in golf,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Greg McLaughlin. “PURE is recognized nationally for their uncompromising commitment to excellence in the insurance industry, and their values pair with our efforts in putting forth quality competition and charitable impact to create a successful partnership.”

Formed in 2006 by industry veterans with unique expertise in high net worth insurance, PURE is the only national insurer exclusively dedicated to protecting the property and liability of high net worth individuals and families. PURE’s unique combination of exceptional service, specialized coverage and significant savings has helped the insurer grow by 40% or more each year since inception.

“Becoming the title sponsor of this prestigious PGA TOUR Champions event supports our efforts to increase awareness of PURE and strengthen our leading position in the high net worth insurance category,” said Ross Buchmueller, President & CEO of the PURE Group of Insurance Companies. “Collaborating with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and The First Tee to impact thousands of lives makes this sponsorship tremendously rewarding for our entire team.”

The format for the PURE Insurance Championship will remain the same, with 78 PGA TOUR Champions players, 78 young men and women ages 14 to 18 from First Tee chapters around the country and 156 amateurs competing over 54 holes of tournament play, split between both Pebble Beach and Poppy Hills.

The 78 juniors are selected annually by a national panel of judges that evaluate participants’ playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and core values learned through their involvement with The First Tee.

“This is an incredibly important tournament for The First Tee,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO of The First Tee. “For the participants, this experience is a game-changer as it opens their eyes to the possibilities in golf and beyond. For The First Tee, the tournament serves as a platform to share our mission. We are delighted that PURE Insurance will become a title sponsor of this PGA TOUR Champions event.”

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation will serve as host organization of the PURE Insurance Championship, with Clint Eastwood continuing his role as chairman of the event, and World Golf Hall of Fame member and Trustee of The First Tee Arnold Palmer serving as honorary co-chair.

The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) focused on enhancing quality of life in Monterey County and surrounding areas through the strategic disbursement of charitable funds generated by hosting both the PURE Insurance Championship and the PGA TOUR’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Since 2004, the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee has been one of the most exciting stops on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, producing champions such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin (2005), Jeff Sluman (2008, 2009, 2011), Kirk Triplett (2012, 2013) and Paul Broadhurst (2016).

For more information on the PURE Insurance Championship, please visit PureInsuranceChampionship.com.

For more information on The First Tee, please visit TheFirstTee.org.

About PURE

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is a policyholder-owned insurer dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth individuals and families. PURE provides best-in-class, customizable coverage throughout the U.S. for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft and flood. Having grown by more than 40% every year since inception, today PURE insures more than 55,000 responsible, high net worth families. Inspired by some of the finest policyholder-owned companies in the world, PURE emphasizes alignment of interests and transparency. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection, and proactive risk management all contribute to highly competitive rates. In return for a fee, PURE Risk Management, LLC acts as Attorney-in-Fact for PURE. For more information or to find a local broker, visit pureinsurance.com.

About PGA TOUR Champions

PGA TOUR Champions has the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game, with many of its 34 members in the World Golf Hall of Fame competing regularly in its events. It’s where Legends play. The Tour also counts numerous other major championship winners among its members. PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older. Conceived in 1980 as the Senior PGA Tour, it started with just four events and purses totaling $475,000. PGA TOUR Champions primary purpose is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, protect the integrity of the game and generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays. Points earned in official Charles Schwab Cup events in 2015 determined Bernhard Langer as the Charles Schwab Cup champion. In 2016, the newly-introduced Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs will identify and recognize the Tour’s leading player. The Commissioner of the PGA TOUR is Tim Finchem. Greg McLaughlin is President of PGA TOUR Champions. The PGA TOUR’s website is pgatour.com, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Follow the PGA TOUR Champions at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions and on Twitter @ChampionsTour.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. In 2015, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 4.7 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

About Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.

www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org;

www.attpbgolf.com

Patrick Fernandez Wins Pro-Junior Title with Michael Allen at Nature Valley First Tee Open

Patrick Fernandez from The First Tee of Phoenix with his PGA TOUR Champions Pro Michael Allen

PGA TOUR Champions’ Paul Broadhurst wins pro competition

Pebble Beach, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2016) – Patrick Fernandez from The First Tee of Phoenix and PGA TOUR Champions professional Michael Allen clinched the Pro-Junior title today at the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach finishing 18 under. Fernandez and Allen won the tournament in a three-way scorecard playoff with Ross Funderburke from The First Tee of Roanoke Valley and pro partner Billie Andre, and Jonathan Tanihana from The First Tee of Greater Sacramento and pro partner Kevin Sutherland.

Paul Broadhurst earned his second PGA TOUR Champions victory by winning the pro title at 11 under. Broadhurst was paired with Brandon Pozzie from The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee.

The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach is a unique Champions Tour event that pairs 81 junior golfers with 81 professionals. The tournament took place this weekend at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Fernandez from Surprise, Ariz. was one of 23 junior golfers who made the cut to play the third and final round today at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

“We played so hard for three days, never made a bogey,” said PGA TOUR Champions’ player Michael Allen. “We had a really nice time together so it really meant a lot for me to try to get that [putt] in and give us a better chance of winning.”

“I’m so grateful to be out here, and to be at the top of the leaderboard is just a bonus. I’m thankful to all the sponsors, Nature Valley, The First Tee, and everyone that helped me get here.” said The First Tee participant Patrick Fernandez. He continues about The First Tee, “The First Tee Nine Core Values are key, they teach you honesty, integrity, perseverance. Really, the things that you need in life.

A 16-year-old junior at Raymond S. Kellis High School, Fernandez has been involved with The First Tee of Phoenix for eight years. He is working towards Ace-certification, the highest level at The First Tee. This past July he attended another national opportunity, The First Tee Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Blaine, Minn. With a handicap of 0.03, his golf resume includes winning the 2014 JGAA (Junior Golf Association of Arizona) tournament and qualifying for The Trusted Choice Big I National Championship in the summer of 2015. Fernandez has future goals to become the valedictorian of his high school and attend a university on a golf or academic scholarship.

England native Paul Broadhurst claimed his second PGA TOUR Champions title of the season, as his two-putt birdie from 30 feet on No. 18 gave him a final-round 68 and a one-stroke victory over Bernhard Langer and Kevin Sutherland. With the win, Broadhurst joins Tom Watson and Ben Hogan as the only players with wins at both Pebble Beach and Carnoustie (2016 Senior Open Championship).

The First Tee of Phoenix is one of approximately 170 chapters across The First Tee network. They offer programs at 15 area golf facilities and The First Tee National School Program has been introduced at more than 190 area elementary schools. The chapter reaches more than 100,000 young people each year.

To learn more, visit www.firstteeopen.com, firsttee.org and www.firstteephoenix.org.

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Media Contact:
Sara Henika, The First Tee (home office)
[email protected]
904-881-7398