BOURBON, MO – The Imperial Foundation, a newly established philanthropic organization by Imperial, the #1 headwear brand in golf, announces sponsorship of First Tee. The Imperial Foundation will be listed as a “Cause Inspired Partner,” and will engage with First Tee HQ and chapter networks across the United States in support of events, community programs, and more to aid in the delivery of a positive impact on young people and their communities.
Established in 1997, First Tee began as an avenue to make golf affordable and accessible for all kids, now they are a global leader in youth development through golf. This collaboration aims to empower young athletes, foster character development, and promote the love of golf among the next generation.
“The Imperial Foundation was established to empower programs like First Tee who are driving the junior golf world,” said David Shaffer, SVP Sales at Imperial. “First Tee is nurturing talent, instilling values, and continuing to build a framework of growing the game and making it more accessible for everyone and we are proud to support them.”
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Over more than 25 years, First Tee has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 11,450 schools and 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About The Imperial Foundation:
Founded in 2023, The Imperial Foundation is committed to the growth and vitality of sports, with a special focus on golf. Our mission extends beyond the fairways, emphasizing overall health and well-being within the communities we serve. Our three pillars – Vitality of Sports, Community, and Sustainability – guide our initiatives and drive positive change.
About Imperial
Imperial is a consumer apparel brand founded in 1916 with design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities. Imperial sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels. Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, adidas and many other global brands.
Imperial products can be found in the Top 100 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand in golf for seven consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech.
Imperial is also proud to fund the Imperial Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization committed to the growth and vitality of sports—especially the game of golf and those who support it—as well as the overall health and well-being of the people in the communities Imperial serves.
For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on Instagram at @ImperialHats.
Contact:
Martha Hudson
B2B Marketing Specialist – Golf
