Orlando, Fla., (Jan. 22, 2009) — Golfweek magazine – the most authoritative, authentic and independent name in golf – announced today its joint efforts with The First Tee to help grow the game of golf by hosting a large-scale, grassroots fundraising effort dubbed “Grow the Game with Golfweek and The First Tee.” The fundraiser will be featured at three major upcoming industry events, with all proceeds directly benefiting The First Tee, a nonprofit organization that builds positive character traits in young people through seamless golf and life skills instruction.
“Grow the Game with Golfweek and The First Tee” will be kicking off its fundraising efforts with participation in golf’s largest tradeshow, The 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, as well as two of Golfweek’s Golfest events. At each of these events, attendees will have the opportunity to help perpetuate the game by donating to The First Tee. With their contributions, donors will not only support the youth-serving programs of The First Tee, but will also receive featured recognition in an upcoming Golfweek ad campaign and be entered into a prize drawing to win a Nintendo Wii.
Event dates are as follows:
Golfweek’s Golfest Orlando – Jan. 24-25, Orange County National Golf Club and Lodge
The 2009 PGA Merchandise Show (Booth No. 2849) – Jan. 29-31, Orange County Convention Center
Golfweek’s Golfest The Villages – March 6-7, The Villages
“During these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to give back to the game of golf,” said Terry Olson, vice president and publisher of Golfweek. “Golfweek has always had a strong commitment to ensuring the viability of the game, and The First Tee is the ideal organization for our “grow the game” initiatives, as they introduce golf to kids while providing an education in life’s fundamental core values through the sport.”
“The First Tee is pleased to partner with Golfweek for these fundraising opportunities,” said Joe Louis Barrow Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “Golfweek’s interest in supporting the growth of the game of golf – and commitment of resources to assist The First Tee in impacting the lives of more young people – is greatly appreciated.”
About Golfweek
Founded in 1975, Golfweek is the publication preferred by serious golfers. Reaching more than 1.3 million readers each week, the magazine delivers the most complete news and information about the game, the people and the lifestyle to golf’s most important audience. Golfweek is part of Turnstile Publishing Company, one of the nation’s leading publishing companies specializing in high-end publications for active and affluent audiences. Turnstile Publishing Company is the parent corporation of such publications as Art Calendar, TurfNet Monthly, The Seminole Voice and The Winter Park/Maitland Observer, as well as the Web sites ArtCalendar.com, ArtScuttlebutt.com, TurfNet.com, SeminoleVoice.com, WPMObserver.com, GolfweekHomes.com and Golfweek.com, which features golf’s first online television network, GolfweekTV. Founded in 1990, Turnstile Publishing Company is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and is also affiliated with Skyhorse Publishing.
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, Fla. 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 introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.8 million participants in 48 states and four international locations – Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore. The Founding Partners of The First Tee are the Augusta National Golf Club, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and USGA. Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman.
Contact:
Elizabeth Hawkins, Marketing Manager
Golfweek
407.563.7006
EHawkins@Golfweek.com
