First Tee charity to receive another $500K

Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999 | 11:34 a.m.

As the primary charitable beneficiary of the World Golf Championships, The First Tee golf initiative has been designated by the International Federation of PGA Tours to receive a $500,000 donation from the WGC-NEC Invitational.

The NEC Invitational will raise an additional $1 million for Akron Golf Charities, Inc., which has distributed millions of dollars to area charities throughout the years as the beneficiary of Akron's PGA Tour event.

The contributions were announced by PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem prior to the start of the tournament's final round at Firestone Country Club this summer.

Finchem also serves as chairman of the World Golf Foundation and the Foundation's First Tee Oversight Committee.

The First Tee was established in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation to provide affordable and accessible playing and learning opportunities for beginning golfers, with a special emphasis on kids.

The $500,000 commitment raises to $1 million the total contribution made to The First Tee by the World Golf Championships, following a $500,000 donation by the Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship, played last February in Carlsbad, CA.

"On behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, I'm pleased to announce our second contribution of $500,000 to The First Tee," Finchem said. "The Federation strongly believes in expanding playing opportunities for everyone to ensure the continued growth of golf and, through the golf experience, expose kids to important values, such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship, that will help them as they grow."

Finchem reiterated that a substantial contribution also will be made to The First Tee by the third and final World Golf Championships event, the American Express Championship, which will be played Nov. 1-7 at Valderrama Golf Club in Spain.

The First Tee of Akron, established through the combined efforts of the Akron Jaycees and Akron Golf Charities, grew from a youth golf program that was started in 1996 and managed by the Jaycees since 1997.

The program, which is serving approximately 100 youth this year, has provided clinics at the Edwin Shaw Challenge Course. This year, the Raymond C. Firestone public golf facility has offered use of its driving range and course.

Tom Knoll, an attorney and President of The First Tee of Akron, and Akron Jaycees president Kevin Harris spoke of the youth program, its First Tee affiliation and Chapter plans, which include development of a 9-hole course with practice facility, permanent clubhouse and indoor teaching facility.

"We're very excited with our association with The First Tee and appreciate the support and encouragement they already have given us in the development of the Chapter," Knoll said. "We already have begun the program phase of our project and with the assistance of The First Tee look forward to the development and realization of a golf course to serve minority and disadvantaged children in the Akron area."

Knoll said discussions are ongoing with the City of Akron to secure land for the facility.

"The success of The First Tee depends on the commitment of communities like Akron and individuals like Tom Knoll and Kevin Harris," Finchem said. "Akron has such a great golfing tradition and it's a natural fit to become part of an initiative that will bring golf to so many kids who otherwise might not have a chance to play.

"The First Tee continues to generate interest throughout the country because community and state leaders recognize golf's value as a recreational outlet that can be enjoyed for a lifetime and have a positive impact on a child's life."

The World Golf Championships have been created and sanctioned by the International Federation of PGA Tours, which is comprised of the PGA TOUR, PGA European Tour, the Japan Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Southern Africa PGA Tour.

The World Golf Foundation is supported by all of the major international golf organizations and professional tours.