The Caddie Association, Professional Caddies Association Foundation, and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children join forces for new “Caddies Fore Kids®” program
ORLANDO, FL (Feb. 10, 2010) – “Caddies Fore Kids,®” announced at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, aims to revive the role of caddies in America’s golf community, and raise money for charity in the process.
Developed and operated by Professional Caddies Association’s ( PCA ) newest division, The Caddie Association (TCA), and benefiting the not-for-profit Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, “Caddies Fore Kids®” will launch its pilot program in early spring 2010 at the historic Winter Park Country Club in Winter Park, Florida.
How “Caddies Fore Kids” Works
“Caddies Fore Kids®” is a volunteer-facilitated caddie program in which members of community service-focused organizations can volunteer their time as golf caddies. Golfers at host courses will have the option to take a caddie for their round in exchange for a small contribution.
The TCA teaches volunteers the basics of caddying through the online TCA manual, the NEW book, ” THINK LIKE A CADDIE, PLAY LIKE A PRO,” with forwards by Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw PGA TOUR, World Golf Hall of Fame members due out in April, the new DVD or on-site training. Volunteering will be open to any club, group, organization or school wishing to have a fun-filled day getting exercise on the golf course while performing community service hours. Once a group has designated a day or days to caddie, they will arrive at the course and be assigned their golfer as they are requested.
Proceeds from the caddie fees from the pilot program at Winter Park Country Club will be donated to Arnold Palmer Hospital. TCA has plans to expand the “Caddies Fore Kids®” program throughout the state of Florida and beyond. If you are interested in volunteering as a caddie or have further questions about the program, please contact Wes Bishop with Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation at (407) 342-5587 or via email at wesley.bishop@orlandohealth.com; or Straton Wilhelm with TCA at (916) 705-7179 or via email at StratonVP@PCAhq.com.
Quotes about “Caddies Fore Kids®”
” This is a great opportunity for sponsors and friends of the game who want to support ” The APH – TCA – PCA Caddie Comeback ” grass roots program that is good for the kids and the game. You can donate here – http://www.networkforgood.org/pca/Badge.aspx?BadgeId=105539
Steve Mona, CEO/ World Golf Foundation http://www.worldgolffoundation.org/, “The World Golf Foundation (WGF) and Golf 20/20 are supportive of Arnold Palmer Hospital, Professional Caddie Association Foundation (PCAF) and The Caddie Association (TCA) “Caddies FORE Kids®” program to introduce young people and anyone to the caddie profession, while teaching life, social and business skills. “Getting young people to the course is the first step. Introducing them to programs such as Get Golf Ready (http://www.playgolfamerica.com/ggr/) to learn the game is the next step. Staying faithful to the process of introducing young people to the game will lead to a positive result.
“The WGF is appreciative of the PCA’s work over the last 20 years and is pleased that PCA has consistently exhibited its support of efforts to help grow participation and interest in the game of golf.”
Dennis Cone, founder/CEO of Professional Caddies Association:( PCA ) “Caddies have given so much to the game of golf for hundreds of years. And so, it’s fitting that, in an effort to revive the institution, we launch our new program at one of the oldest courses in Florida and alongside one of the most recognizable names in golf. Just a few dollars will allow golfers to speed up their play and give them a memorable golfing experience, allowing our volunteer caddies to learn more about and help grow this great game. And perhaps most importantly, those dollars will go a long way at the fine hospital that bears Mr. Palmer’s name ” This is a great opportunity for sponsors and friends of the game who want to support ” The Arnold Palmer Hospital-TCA/PCA Caddie Comeback ” grass roots positive program that is good for the kids and the game” ” If you have never played golf with a Caddie, You have never played the game.” Helping keep the world green by repairing one ball mark at a time!
Brendon Elliott, PGA head professional at Winter Park Country Club: “The Winter Park Country Club is thrilled to be the launch site for this fantastic new program. The excitement already generated by this new venture is overwhelming. I can see no better way to introduce kids and adults to this game than through caddying. Plus, for our members and frequent visitors, this will be a wonderful value-added experience. It is an honor to be part of this new movement to resurrecting the role of the caddie, and it is an equal honor to work to support Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.”
Laura Cone, President of The Caddie Association: (TCA) “We see this as the next step to revive caddie programs and create new ones at golf courses all across this country and the world. This pilot program will bring the best of golf and charity together, while providing an outlet for our youth to get exposure to the game of golf. I fully endorse this project and look forward to expanding it to dozens – perhaps hundreds – of public and private courses in the U.S. in the future. ”
Straton Wilhelm, vice president of The Caddie Association: (TCA) “We are going to have volunteers of all ages and all walks of life volunteering their time to caddie in this program – college students, fraternity and sorority members, Boy Scouts and church members. I can’t
wait to hear the response and feedback from the golfers who play a round with a caddie. The Caddie Association ( TCA ) is going to strive to give each golfer an enjoyable and memorable experience, and they can feel good knowing that proceeds benefit Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.”
Jeff Muddell, Foundation vice president at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children: “Dennis, Laura, Straton, and their team are dedicated to bringing honor and prestige back to the role of the caddie. We are thrilled that Brendon and the City of Winter Park have welcomed this pilot program to their course right in our backyard. We are more than honored to be the charitable beneficiary of this noble effort and spread our message of health and healing to the many golfers who take advantage of ‘Caddies Fore Kids.®'”
Michael Kernicki, PGA Head Golf Professional Canterbury Golf Club
We enjoyed the PCA Caddie Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. ” The work you are doing is one of a kind. To my knowledge nothing like this is happening to celebrate the role of a caddie and what that can mean in the sport, in life, and within a person’s culture. Your focus on kids and how being a caddie can change their life is fantastic. Keep up the great work! ”
About The World Caddie Hq-Professional Caddies Association ( PCA )
The Professional Caddies Association (PCA), based in Palm Coast, Fl. USA, was established in 1997 to promote and support the profession of the Caddie. Membership is open to all working or retired professional caddies, and anyone who would like to support the profession. PCA educational programs have helped train over 11,000 caddies since 1997. TCA-PCA members and supporters worldwide strive to bring caddies back to golf courses while preserving the tradition of this greatest of all games. Visit us at PCAhq.com and PCAFhq.org to learn more.
About The Caddies Association ( TCA )
The Caddies Association (TCA) with it’s education, training, benefits and jobs opportunities is open to all, who support the mission and are dedicated to elevating respect for the professional caddie. The organization and its Foundation partner offer youth the opportunity to learn both life and social skills through the game of golf and the profession of caddying, while enhancing their knowledge and interpersonal skills both on and off the course. For more information, visit TCA today at TheCaddieAssociation.com.
About Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital includes comprehensive, specialized programs and services for children including acute care, adolescent medicine, a Congenital Heart Institute in partnership with Miami Children’s Hospital, pediatric intensive care, emergency medicine, nephrology, neurology and trauma services to name a few. To learn more, visit arnoldpalmerhospital.org.
Contact:
PCA Media & Travel
Professional Caddies Association and The Caddies Association
Dennis Cone
386.446.8721
Dennis@PCAhq.com
Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation
Camilla Chapman
321.843.1115
Camilla.Chapman@orlandohealth.com