Category: News Releases

US Open Junior Experience Featuring First Tee

USGA and First Tee Collaborate to Bring Interactive Kids & Family Experience to 119th U.S. Open Championship in Pebble Beach, Calif. ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (May 6 2019) – The USGA and the First Tee, a youth development organization dedicated to helping youth build character through the game of golf, will debut the ‘Junior Experience featuring First Tee’ at the 119th U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, Calif, June 10-16. The Junior Experience is one of a series of initiatives in which the two organizations have committed to deliver in 2019 to support the growth and long-term viability of golf, which also includes the continuation of an extensive annual First Tee chapter grant program funded by USGA. Since First Tee’s inception in 1997, USGA has provided more than $26 million in grants to the organization. A dedicated and interactive area for kids of all ages and their families to enjoy throughout the week, the Junior Experience featuring First Tee will be located within U.S. Open’s Fan Central. The space will help connect youth attending the U.S. Open to the excitement and values associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country.  Highlights of the immersive experience include First Tee’s hands-on putting green, chipping challenge, golf simulator, large-scale coloring wall, photo booth and more. In addition, First Tee is encouraging more young people nationwide to take up the game and learn the life skills and values inherent to golf and embedded in First Tee programs through a sweepstakes offered in advance of the championship. Families can sign up their kids for summer or fall programs at one of First Tee’s 150 chapters throughout the country by May 15 and enter to win a complimentary trip for two to the 2019 U.S. Open and visit the Junior Experience featuring First Tee. Prize Package Includes:
  • Tickets for two to the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, Calif.
  • Roundtrip airfare for two
  • Three-night hotel stay (two in San Francisco and one in Pebble Beach)
  • Ground Transportation
  • $250 Gift Card
“I am excited to evolve our partnership with USGA around the idea of deeper engagement with kids and families attending what is clearly be one of sport’s premier experiences, the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach,” said First Tee President Greg McLaughlin. “We look forward to leveraging the Junior Experience to build awareness for First Tee programs around the country, as well as a launching point for many kids to transition from witnessing the game at the highest level, to beginning their own journey.” “We have been proud to play a role in welcoming millions of juniors to the game through our relationship with The First Tee, and the on-site experience provides yet another pathway to introduce our newest fans to the fun and excitement that major championship golf offers,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. Thanks to the U.S. Open’s junior ticket policy, complimentary junior tickets are available on-site at Will Call every day during the championship, regardless of a sellout. There is a limit of 2 junior tickets per 1 adult ticket holder. Junior tickets for ages 12 and under are complimentary on any day when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Junior tickets for ages 13-18 will be available for purchase at a reduced price when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. To pre-register your child as a junior planning to attend U.S. Open, click here. The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values through programs in all 50 states and select international locations.  To learn more about First Tee, please visit: www.firsttee.org www.instagram.com/thefirsttee www.facebook.com/thefirsttee www.twitter.com/thefirsttee  More information about The U.S. Open is available at www.usopen.com.  About The 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. About the USGA The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world’s golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

Royal Moroccan Golf Federation Brings First Tee Program to Young People in Morocco through New Partnership

Announcement made during Trophee Hassan II and Lalla Meryem Cup Tournaments

Rabat, Morocco (April 27, 2019) – Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and First Tee announced today they are partnering to bring character-building programs to Morocco. First Tee of Morocco will become the fifth international First Tee and first on the continent of Africa. The announcement was made at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco today by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and First Tee President Greg McLaughlin. McLaughlin joined Golf Channel’s Morning Drive this past Saturday for the announcement.  First Tee has been in existence for 22 years, primarily in the United States, and has grown to approximately 150 chapters and over 1,200 program locations including four international (Canada, Japan, Korea and Mexico) chapters. “Through this partnership, we hope to introduce more young Moroccans to the game of golf while developing their confidence, life skills and values,” said His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid. “My desire is to enhance the sport’s public perception, encourage greater openness to the larger public, and ultimately create opportunities for the emergence of an elite golfer able to hoist our flag high in international competitions.” “Morocco has become an important part of the global golf community and is an excellent place to introduce First Tee programs to children in Africa,” said McLaughlin. “I have been impressed by the commitment and passion for the game during my visit here, and trust this will be a longstanding partnership for the benefit for the Moroccan community.” First Tee programs will be offered at the Royal Dar Es Salam and other locations. Coaches will be provided with formal training from First Tee’s well-established and highly regarded program. About Royal Moroccan Golf Federation Founded on March 12th of 1960 the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation’s role is to ensure, as an authority, the smooth running of the golf practice in Morocco. Beyond the organization, administration, management and development of amateur and professional golf in Morocco, it has a representative role, for sports associations or affiliated clubs, both nationally and internationally. Since January 2018, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid. One of the main strategy direction is to broaden the base by encouraging the golf clubs all around the Kingdom to an aggressive policy of integration of young people of all social categories with as a priority, the respect of their schooling. 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. Media Contacts: Jane Fader, First Tee, [email protected], 904-940-4330 (U.S.) Ghizlane Haloui, Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, +212 661 112 206

Wells Fargo and The First Tee announce winners of national Succeeding Together contest

Four winners will attend the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C.

New Orleans – April 8, 2019 – Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and The First Tee today announced the 2019 winners of the Succeeding TogetherSM essay contest. Wells Fargo created the national contest specifically for the 30,000+ teenage participants of The First Tee®, a youth development organization dedicated to helping kids build character through the game of golf. The contest asked eligible participants of The First Tee to reflect on their personal journeys for success including their application of The First Tee’s Nine Core Values. Kobe Narcisse, 14, from the First Tee of Greater New Orleans, was named the grand prize winner and will play in the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am with a PGA TOUR golfer on May 1, 2019. Narcisse has been involved in The First Tee for seven years. A freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School in Gretna, Narcisse plays on the school’s football team and has plans to pursue playing collegiate golf. “We’re excited to have one of the winners of Wells Fargo’s Succeeding Together contest from here in New Orleans,” said Nick Carey, marketing manager at Wells Fargo. “It was heart-warming to hear all of the wonderful stories that the contest participants shared through their essays. Wells Fargo believes when our communities thrive, we are all successful. We should all take great pride in the achievements of these young people and the leadership they have shown — in the classroom, on the golf course, and in our communities.” Narcisse was one of four winners selected by a panel of judges from Wells Fargo, The First Tee, and the Wells Fargo Championship tournament office from the written submissions. Nadia Kimbrough, 15, from The First Tee of Indiana; Bailey O’Donnell, 17, from The First Tee of Fort Worth; and Pierce Robinson, 18, from The First Tee of the Foothills (North Carolina) were named the first prize winners and will receive a four-day/three-night trip for two to Charlotte, N.C., to attend the Wells Fargo Championship and experience the excitement of a PGA TOUR event from inside the ropes. In 2015, Wells Fargo deepened its relationship with The First Tee by becoming a national Trustee and further supporting the organization, its participants  and volunteers – recognizing that little by little, we can join together to make a huge difference in the lives of so many kids. More information about Wells Fargo’s Succeeding Together community program and the contest is located at: http://www.succeedingtogether.org. About Wells Fargo Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,800 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, and the internet (wellsfargo.com). Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. With approximately 259,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2018 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In 2018, Wells Fargo donated more than $444 million to nearly 11,000 nonprofits in support of affordable housing, small business growth, financial education, and sustainability, among other community needs. For 10 consecutive years, Wells Fargo has held the honor of No. 1 in workplace giving by United Way Worldwide. Wells Fargo team members also make a difference by donating more than 2 million hours of volunteer time in the last year. News, insights and more information on the company’s corporate responsibility are available at Wells Fargo Stories. 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. Media Name, XXX-XXX-XXX [email protected] @TwitterHandle

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

Newly consolidated role to bring together direction and leadership of World Golf Foundation,
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 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, 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 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 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 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, 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 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 First Tee
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, First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations.

Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Johnson & Johnson is First Tee’s Legacy Partner and Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. 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 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 20th 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 20th 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 20th anniversary, visit firsttee.org/20years.