TGA school programs will transition students and parents from school campuses to Northern Texas PGA junior programs, golf courses and PGA Professionals
EL SEGUNDO, CA – In a significant move to grow the game, the Northern Texas Section of the PGA of America and TGA announce a partnership to seamlessly transition students from learning golf in schools, to the golf course for enhanced skill development with PGA Professionals, and playing opportunities on the Northern Texas PGA Junior Tour.
“TGA’s partnership with the Northern Texas PGA begins to culminate our vision to help grow the game and get more juniors and adults to the golf course. By reaching the general public through school based enrichment programs, it makes golf accessible and affordable, while adding it to the menu of activities for students under 10 and adults 25-40,” said Joshua Jacobs, chief executive officer of TGA. “Texas is one of the top states in the country for golf, and the Northern Texas PGA is a perfect partner to create a pathway for growing the game and creating avid golfers for the future.”
“TGA Premier Junior Golf’s school programs provide a perfect introduction to the game of golf for kids. The key is providing kids who want to play more the assistance to do so with affordable access, equipment and instruction,” said Mark Harrison, executive director of the Northern Texas PGA.
TGA’s Five Level Enrichment Program impacts hundreds of thousands of youth annually by introducing the game of golf to children at elementary and middle schools, child care centers and community based organizations through a multi-level program that builds confidence and self-esteem. The unique curriculum is designed to enrich students’ lives through physical activity, health and nutrition and character building. The program also incorporates academic lessons in math, science, social studies and language.
The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections that comprise the PGA of America with a professional membership of over 750 at more than 300 facilities. The geographic territory includes the state of Texas north of the 31st latitude, or just north of Austin.
Northern Texas PGA golf professionals will work closely with local TGA Premier Junior Golf programs to develop a variety of programs and events that facilitate moving TGA students and families from their school programming to PGA junior programs at local golf courses.
One of the key programs that the new partnership will support is the popular NTPGA Team Golf program. Team Golf is for children ages 7-14 with beginning level golf experience. It offers an introduction to tournament play through nine-hole team stroke play competition. Team Golf is a fun, social, less stressful approach to tournament golf. Teams are coached by PGA professionals and provide junior golfers with the knowledge and skills that set the stage for a lifetime of golf enjoyment.
“We are very excited to partner with TGA and believe their school model along with the newly created player pathway will be a key ingredient to not only growing programs like Team Golf and Junior Tournaments, but also serve as a model for other Sections to grow the game nationwide,” said Harrison.
The Northern Texas PGA plans to promote TGA throughout its Section to PGA professionals and encourage them to develop cooperative youth golf programs. This includes joint marketing and branding efforts to both organizations’ current customers.
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 27,000 men and women golf professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide.
About TGA Premier Junior Golf
TGA Premier Junior Golf runs the leading school-based youth golf programs in the United States through a franchise model 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 makes golf affordable and accessible through consistent programs that offer physical education and after-school programs at elementary and middle schools, childcare centers and community centers.
TGA, which was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as a “Top 10 Best Franchise Deal,” is ranked No. 320 in the Magazine’s Franchise 500 rankings. TGA is also ranked No. 6 among Children’s Fitness Franchises and named a top Home-Based Business Franchise and a Top 10 Child Services Franchise in 2012.
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.
For more information about TGA Premier Junior Golf, visit www.golftga.com.
About Northern Texas PGA and Junior Golf Foundation
The Northern Texas PGA is one of 41 Sections that comprise the PGA of America with a professional membership of over 750 at more than 300 facilities. The Section is a not for profit organization governed by an elected board of directors, who are PGA golf professionals. The Northern Texas PGA provides services to golf professionals and the golf industry, while stimulating interest in the game.
Founded in 1983, the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is committed to introducing and promoting the game of golf to children of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds throughout north Texas and instilling in them the positive, character developing traits for which the game is so well known. With a full circle of programs and services, close to 5,000 children and their parents are impacted by the game of golf each year.
For more information, visit www.ntpgajuniorgolf.com.
Contact:
Northern Texas PGA
Mark Harrison – Executive Director
(214) 420-7421
mharrison@ntpga.com
TGA Premier Junior Golf
Joshua Jacobs – Founder and CEO
(310) 333-0622
joshua@playtga.com
TGA Premier Junior Golf
Kevin Frisch – Public Relations
(989) 614-0241
kevin@playtga.com
