COLLIN COUNTY, TX- Steve Klassen is putting “his feet on the ground” by turning his passion for golf into a new career after spending 28 years in the aviation industry by acquiring the Total Golf Adventures franchise for this county.
“Golf has always been a big passion of mine,” said Mr. Klassen, a typical golf junkie. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business as well as be involved with the game of golf. My wife said we should go for it. I’ve been with two different companies in the aviation business for my entire career and I felt that the time was right for a career change. Through my experience with both companies, I feel the unique opportunity Total Golf Adventures presents is a perfect fit. You know the saying that timing is everything. That’s what we are betting on as I build the TGA franchise here.”
Steve has been playing golf since he was 10 years old, and now at this stage of his life can give back to the community and return to his passion, teaching young people not only how to play golf, but the rules, integrity and etiquette of the game which are so important.
“My wife and I did plenty of research about the golf industry and youth golf in particular…by far and away, the golf enrichment program that TGA offers provides the programs and opportunities for kids to learn and grow that we were looking for. TGA already has an extremely successful franchise in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and it was easy to see the expansion possibilities in Collin County right next door,” he added.
The primary cities that are located in Klassen’s territory include McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Parker, Wiley, Murphy and Richardson. There are more than 200 elementary schools and close to 20 private schools in the territory.
TGA has put more than 40,000 K-8th grade students through its after-school enrichment programs and golf camps. At the present time, there are 43 TGA programs in 22 states with more than 1,500 schools and 225 golf camp locations participating.
“When we interview prospective new territory directors, two of the qualities we look for are the innate passion for the game and a strong business background,” said Joshua Jacobs, founder and CEO of TGA, “we are convinced that Steve’s background and experience will allow him to share his passion with youngsters and to grow the game of golf. With a TGA program bordering Collin County in West DFW, Steve’s community presence will be that much greater.”
Total Golf Adventures (www.totalgolfadvenures.com) was founded in 2003 with a mission to provide all K-8th grade students with access to the game of golf through the first national at-school, after school Golf Enrichment Program and other transition programs.
TGA is one of the fastest-growing sports franchises and junior golf companies in the nation, as it breaks down the traditional barriers of convenience and cost that prevent 90% of children from playing the game when golf is brought to the schools.
TGA’s 5 Level Golf Enrichment Program, developed by golf professionals and education experts, teaches the fundamentals, rules and etiquette of golf, while promoting golf’s life values through its character development initiative, “Play the Fair Way with TGA.” TGA transitions students from their schools to the golf course by offering camps, tournaments, clinics and private lessons.
TGA supplies its territory owners with the tools they need to succeed while building a strong base of corporate supporters that supply a variety of services and products to TGA territories. Just added to a growing list of corporate partners/sponsors is Staples®, which provides printed marketing solutions for all TGA territories. Already participating with TGA are Nicklaus Golf Equipment, the official provider of junior golf clubs, and Garb, Inc., the official provider of apparel for participants and staff.
Total Golf Adventures is endorsed and named as the official junior golf initiative by the National High School Golf Coaches Association (NHSGCA) and the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA); is a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance and Lights on AfterSchool, and is a corporate advocate and a partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness.
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For more information on the junior golf programs in the Central Dallas (Collin County) area, please contact:
Steve Klassen – (972) 838-6723 or sklassen@totalgolfadventures.com
For TGA: Alan Taylor (516) 835-1151
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