Page 40 - Golf Champion - November 2021

[USGA]

USGA EXTENDS LONGTIME SUPPORT OF FIRST TEE TO

STRENGTHEN DIVERSITY IN THE GAME

USGA IDEA grant program delivers $200K to First Tee chapters in
support of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts

USGA, 게임의 다양성을 위해 퍼스트 티에 대한 지원 연장

USGA IDEA 보조금 프로그램은 포용, 다양성, 형평성 및 접근성 노력을 지원하기 위해
퍼스트 티 챕터에 $200,000 전달

IBERTY CORNER, N.J. and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, communities that we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First
LFla. (Oct. 20, 2021) – The United States Golf Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening
Association (USGA) has distributed $200,000 in grants the door to even more youth, especially in underserved
across 20 First Tee chapters through the inaugural IDEA and underrepresented communities, to explore the
grant program – a dedicated effort to directly empower possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their
inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the character and life lessons through the game.”
local golf level. Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than $33 million
The program was created this year to address the barriers among First Tee, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and Drive, Chip
that underserved and underrepresented youths face in & Putt programs in an effort to provide greater access to
their potential introduction to and participation in golf golf for juniors and cultivate a lifelong passion for the
and First Tee’s character-building programs. Grants game. The commitment is part of a $1.3 million annual
range from $20,000 to $7,500 and support initiatives investment the organization makes in national programs
including transportation for youths to get to and from that reach young people, fueled by revenue from the U.S.
First Tee program locations as well as recruitment and Open.
training of diverse staff and coaches. Grant applications were available to First Tee chapters
“We have a commitment as an organization to be an located within the 14 markets where USGA championships
impactful partner to those in the industry who share took place in 2021 and where they are scheduled in 2022,
our vision for what we want golf’s future to look like,” as well as chapters affiliated with one of the association’s
said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Both the USGA and 59 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50
First Tee believe that golf is a better game now and in states and Puerto Rico, AGAs serve millions of golfers
the future when it’s accessible and representative of at the recreational level by increasing engagement and
everyone, and it starts at the junior level.” participation and improving the golfer experience.
“The USGA’s support is a game changer for youths in the

The 2021 grant recipients include:
USGA Championship Host Communities and Supporting USGA Allied Golf
First Tee Chapter
Associations
First Tee — Central Carolina 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, Carolinas Golf Association
First Tee — Coachella Valley Southern California Golf Association
First Tee — Connecticut 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Connecticut State Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Baltimore 2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior, Maryland State Golf Association

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