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The First Tee and Golf Coaches Association of America Form Partnership

St. Augustine, Fla. and Las Vegas, Nev. – The First Tee and Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) have formed a partnership to collaborate on various programs and initiatives to promote youth development through the game of golf.

The First Tee and GCAA will work together to facilitate the relationship between men’s golf coaches and Chapters of The First Tee in an effort to promote high school graduation rates, college preparation and to communicate college golf opportunities.

“At the heart of The First Tee’s programs is life skills and character education that will help young people succeed in life,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive of The First Tee. “The First Tee takes great pride in preparing young people for the future through a variety of opportunities, programs and scholarships, and an official relationship with the Golf Coaches Association of America enhances this important resource for our participants.”

“The young men and young women participating in The First Tee programs across the country are the next generation of golfers and the GCAA, its coaches and their student-athletes are pleased to be associated with their development not only as golfers, but also to serve as positive role models in academics, fitness, nutrition and protecting themselves from sun damage,” said GCAA President Bruce Brockbank.

The collaboration will include staging events at various Chapters where The First Tee participants will have the opportunity to interact with student-athletes and college coaches from their area.
In fall 2010, events were held at The First Tee of Atlanta, The First Tee of Oklahoma City and The First Tee of Philadelphia and included student-athletes and coaches from over 20 colleges and universities. The success of those initial events will lead to a schedule of 10-12 events at other Chapters around the United States in 2011.
The partnership also will help facilitate ongoing relationships between The First Tee Chapter staff and collegiate golf coaches and players, encouraging them to engage as coaches and mentors for The First Tee youth participants.

For more information about The First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org.  For more information about GCAA, visit http://gcaa.collegiategolf.com/index.jsp.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in schools and on military installations.   

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 4 million participants in all 50 United States and four international locations. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation and its Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman. 

As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Shell’s initial contribution has led the way for other individuals, corporations and organizations to provide ongoing financial and promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.


About GCAA
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.

Media Contacts:
Jane Fader    Megan Goodwin
The First Tee    Golf Coaches Association of America
904-940-4330   405-329-4222
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