Phase III (2006-2010) business objectives announced at Annual Meeting
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – The First Tee announced the successful completion of its five-year business objectives during The First Tee Annual Meeting at World Golf Village Thursday, February 16. Executive Director Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. chronicled the accomplishments of the organization to a record number of Chapter representatives, National Trustees, corporate partners, golf industry leaders and supporters of The First Tee.
2005 accomplishments of The First Tee:
â?¢ Introduced the game of golf and its values to over 217,000 young people (675,000 total)
â?¢ Opened 52 dedicated golf-learning facilities with 24 in development (274 total – open or in development)
â?¢ Established 209 affiliate relationships with existing golf courses (687 total)
â?¢ Expanded The First Tee National School Program to 800 schools, reaching 300,000 students through the 2005/2006 school year
"In 2000, The First Tee set an ambitious goal to develop 250 golf-learning facilities, impact the lives of 500,000 young people and establish 500 affiliate relationships through 2005. By achieving these goals, The First Tee has emerged as a key initiative of the golf industry and a premier youth development program," said Barrow, who also serves as senior vice president of the World Golf Foundation. "The First Tee’s success can be attributed to the support of the major golf organizations, our vast network of partners and the tireless efforts of our Chapter leadership."
Barrow also announced The First Tee’s business objectives for its third phase of development over the next five years. Phase III goals (2006-2010):
â?¢ Introduce golf and The First Tee Nine Core Values to 3.5 million young people
â?¢ Deliver a consistent Life Skills Experience at each facility
â?¢ Grow The First Tee National School Program to 140 communities across the country
â?¢ Establish a Chapter in each of the 50 United States and have operations in 90% of the top 100 markets
PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem delivered the keynote address during Thursday night’s awards banquet. Finchem is responsible for creating The First Tee and serves as chairman of The First Tee Oversight Committee. He reflected on the organization’s growth and evolution since 1997.
"The overall magnitude of The First Tee’s impact is extraordinary. Over four million participants, siblings, parents/guardians, staff, volunteers, coaches and physical education teachers are exposed to the positive aspects of the program," said Finchem, who also serves as chairman of the World Golf Foundation. "On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am thrilled to celebrate the success of The First Tee and commend the dedicated individuals who have contributed to its progress."
Click here to read detailed information about The First Tee’s economic and human impact.
The First Tee Annual Meeting serves as a forum for enhancing educational and operational methods and recognizing outstanding achievements. Bob Abbott of The First Tee of Fort Smith was named the 2005 George Bush Shell Oil Volunteer of the Year. Abbott was selected for his outstanding service and commitment to the staff and participants at his Chapter in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is the seventh recipient of this award. George Bush serves as The First Tee honorary chairman.
The second-annual Jack Stephens Leadership Award was presented to Jane Batten, who founded The First Tee of Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Batten was selected for her service, leadership and dedication to The First Tee’s mission. She was responsible for creating a partnership with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and also serves on her Chapter’s board of directors.
Champions Tour player D.A. Weibring and Wal-Mart were selected as the 2005 Founders Award recipients. Weibring was recognized for his philanthropic support of The First Tee of Great River in Quincy, Illinois and nationally. Wal-Mart has been involved with The First Tee since December 2003 through community store involvement and the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. In 2005, Wal-Mart donated over $1 million to The First Tee national and Chapter activities.
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has opened over 250 golf-learning facilities in 44 states and five international locations, and has introduced the game of golf and its values to over 675,000 participants.
Contact:
Steve Gerrish
The First Tee
(904) 940-4314
