MORRIS COUNTY, NJ- The current economic downturn has produced a unique benefit for TGA, The Premier Junior Golf Program, the acquisition of the Morris County franchise by Michael Riccardi who holds a masters degree in education and is certified for teaching in grades K-6.
“The number of new franchisees continues to grow despite the economy,” says Joshua Jacobs, President and CEO of the five-year-old growth of the game initiative. “We have seen steady inquiries from people who are highly qualified coming from other walks of life. To attract someone with not only a masters degree in education, but someone who is certified to work with our core constituents, that’s absolutely amazing.”
Riccardi, a childhood friend and former roommate of Kevin Rooney, owner of the Bergen County, NJ franchise, earned his undergraduate and post graduate degrees in education at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. “Much to my disappointment, I was having trouble finding a teaching position in the area,” adds Riccardi. “But being around Kevin and playing golf with him opened my eyes to the opportunities with TGA.”
“The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was perfect for the job. My education will help me understand the mindset of youngsters and their parents in grades K-6. I have also always been enamored with coaching and love the game of golf. A perfect combination!”
Total Golf Adventures (www.golftga.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 has put more than 50,000 K-8th grade students through its programs, and there are 46 other TGA programs in 22 states, with more than 1,800 schools participating.
TGA breaks down the traditional barriers of convenience and cost when golf is brought to the schools. TGA’s 5 Level Golf Enrichment Program, developed by PGA and LPGA golf professionals and PhD’s in education and curriculum development, 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 is a USGA approved program under the Rules of Amateur Status.
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.
TGA is endorsed and named as the official junior golf initiative by the National High School Golf Coaches Association (NHSGCA): is a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance and Lights on AfterSchool, and are a corporate advocate and a partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness; and is a partner with the Southern California PGA Section and Northern California PGA Section.
Contact:
For TGA: Alan Taylor Cell- 516 835 1151 OR alan@alantaylorconsulting.com
For Morris County: Michael Riccardi Cell – 201-362-5325 OR mriccardi@golftga.com.
