El Segundo, CA – TGA Premier Junior Golf, one of the leading initiatives to grow the game of golf and the only national after-school golf enrichment program announces a partnership with the Golf Coaches Association of America, the leading professional association of men’s collegiate golf coaches. The grass roots junior golf program is gaining the attention and involvement of college coaches and players in its programs around the country.
After playing for Emory University, Joshua Jacobs launched TGA Premier Junior Golf at six Los Angeles schools in the fall of 2003. Today, TGA is offered nationwide in 2,400 schools reaching 130,000 students from Kindergarten to 8th grade in 23 states. TGA’s curriculums are approved by the USGA and it is the only golf enrichment program that teaches the fundamentals of the game, its rules and etiquette while incorporating life values and education concepts such as math, English, science and history.
“The best way to grow the game amongst youth at the grass roots level is to bring it directly to the masses in schools and provide an affordable and accessible program for future golfers,” said Jacobs, TGA’s founder and CEO. “Our elementary and middle school programs are outlets for high school teams which is one of the pipelines for college coaches to recognize future talent.”
After starting TGA as a traveling overnight golf camp for teenagers, TGA morphed into the concept of introducing children of all backgrounds to the game at schools and other community based organizations.
“My experience as a college golfer opened the door for me to create TGA and now through TGA programs, I want to generate opportunities for all youth to create avenues to not only learn the game and its values, but also advance to a level that might open doors for them in the future to earn college scholarships across the country”, said Jacobs.
TGA programs are reaching mass quantities of kids and directly impacting the future of the game in a structured environment. By capturing the interest of students and their parents, TGA is a program that college coaches keep their eye on.
“The TGA program is truly unique in scope and vision,” said Golf Coaches Association of America CEO Gregg Grost. “The opportunity for students to get instruction at their own school from PGA Professionals and college golfers is a great concept. As the program grows, I’m sure that we’ll see collegiate golfers and PGA of America members come from its ranks.”
College coaches and players are getting involved with TGA to help give back and grow the game that has provided so much to them by mentoring and molding students in TGA programs. Players can fulfill community service hours by assisting the class director in school programs, as well as participating during the summer as camp counselors by assisting the camp directors across the country.
TGA is introducing a higher number of students into the game at a younger age, and increasing the pool of junior golfers that will develop into college players.
“I encourage and challenge all players to get involved with these students and TGA programs by volunteering their time to help grow the game and impact lives,” Jacobs said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for players to earn community service and give back to the game that has given back so much to you.”
For more information about TGA Premier Junior Golf, visit www.golftga.com.
About TGA Premier Junior Golf
TGA Premier Junior Golf makes golf affordable and accessible to the masses directly through Physical Education and Afterschool Enrichment Programs at elementary and middle schools, child care centers and community based organizations, as well as transition students to golf courses through camps, clinics and private lessons. TGA has also become a golden franchise opportunity for self-starters who enjoy working with children in a business venture that provides a unique entry into youth sports, education, and the golf industry.
TGA, which was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 10 Best Franchise Deal, moved up in the Magazine’s Franchise 500 rankings from No. 450 in 2009 to No. 319 in 2010. TGA was also ranked 4th among Children’s Fitness Franchises. TGA is a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance and Lights on After School and is a corporate advocate and national partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness, Golf Coaches Association, as well as the National Council of Youth Sports. TGA’s curriculums are also approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA) under the Rules of Amateur Status. Visit www.golftga.com.
About The Golf Coaches Association
The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) is the professional association of men’s golf coaches. Established in 1958, this non-profit organization is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing its members who participate in men’s golf at all levels. Through its established events and programs, the GCAA maintains a goal of increasing awareness and the status of men’s golf.
Contact:
TGA Premier Junior Golf
Joshua Jacobs – Founder and CEO
(310) 333-0622
joshua@golftga.com
Fusion Media Strategies
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@fusionmediastrategies.com
