Ultimate springtime golf fitness tips for "real" golfers

By Tim McDonald,
National Golf Editor

For those of you unfortunate enough to live in the North, you must be salivating at the thought of the spring golf season.

Hold on, Tiger. You ain't the man you used to be. You can't just jump up and go straight to the golf course after a long winter of sloth and mold.

Now, you will find any number of charlatans willing to sell you their total golf fitness regimens. These sleazoids always assume you're a golfer interested in a cleaner, healthier way of living and golfing. I've seen you out on the course, and I know that's not the sort of thing you're "into."

So here is my total golf fitness regimen for the "real" golfer:

• For God's sake, you have to strengthen your core! This involves eating really hard food, like jawbreakers. Eat a bag of those and have your neighbor punch you in the gut to see if your core is all it can be.

Options: Month-old fudge, Purina Dog Chow, pine bark.

• You also have to really work your obliques, I mean really work the hell out of them. Here's the perfect exercise for that. Lie flat on your back with knees bent slightly wider than your hips. If you have really fat hips, you're either going to have to really stretch your knees like in a cartoon, like The Elastic Man from India, or just skip this exercise. In fact, if you have really fat hips, just skip playing golf, nobody wants to see you out on the course.

Now, you slim-hipped people reach your hands to the ceiling like you're crying out for the Lord Jesus Christ to spare you from your miserable existence. You can hold light hand-weights, or not. What do I care? Lift your head and chest toward the ceiling and rotate to reach both hands just outside of your fat, right knee. Repeat on the left side. Now, take a breather. Ask Christ for forgiveness.

• Breathing exercises: Breathing properly and deeply is critical, especially for those tense moments on the course when normally you would start crying.
This deep-breathing exercise involves attending your local adult movie house, or calling up one of those sites on your Internet browser. Follow your instincts. It's either that or follow mine, and then you're looking at jail time.
• Horizontal abduction/adduction: I can't give you much help here, because I always get "horizontal" confused with "vertical," and I have no idea what adduction is. Who came up with that word, anyway? It's a stupid word and should be eliminated from the English language, if it's even English.

• Standing hip rotation: Don't do this. It makes you look like a girl.

• Alcohol fitness: How many times have you lost $2 Nassaus because while you were getting hamboned, your playing partners were just holding up that bottle of Jack Black pretending to drink?

Well, no need to waste good liquor. You can still drink and maintain your competitive edge. You just need to build up a tolerance. Stand upright in a dark closet, with a wide stance, and suck it down. Keep drinking until your wife leaves you.

• Aerobics: Ha! Don't make me laugh. This is golf!

• Putting: Don't bother to practice putting. Putting in golf is overrated. I play golf maybe 200 times a year and I've yet to meet anyone who can putt. You either make it or you don't. If you miss, just keep putting until the ball goes in the hole. Simple.

• Seniors: As we age, our bodies react differently, so seniors must prepare for golf differently than young punks. An important thing to remember is that there is an inverse relationship of increased ear hair to laughably short drives off the tee.

So keep those ear hairs trim and neat. If you're proud of your thick mane of ear hair, don't sweat it. If you're short off the tee, you're probably small in other areas, and I think you know what I'm talking about.

• Excuses: A healthy psychological outlook is a must for Better Golf. If you can convince yourself that the snap hook you hit into the weeds over there is not your doing at all, you'll retain the confidence needed to excel in the game.

The first time you smack one of your all-too-typical lousy shots, turn to your playing partner and snarl," "Will you stop that!" Look at him, looking all hurt and everything. Who would have thought golf fitness could be so much fun?

• Torque development in the downswing: This is so important, I can barely contain myself. This is vital to any golfer who has ever wanted to improve his score. You could even say it is absolutely critical in terms of reaching your full potential as a golfer and knowing what it is to be truly human.

• Alignment and posture: Face the target squarely and stand erect, with your rump jutting out slightly. Feels a little silly, doesn't it? Can you think of another situation in life where you would position yourself in such an odd manner? I can't.

Immelman’s Steely Nerves Win Masters

Trevor Immelman's swing has been compared to Ben Hogan by one of golf's great players, Gary Player, a three-time Masters Champion.

There is another quality Immelman shares with Hogan that until Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club probably had not received enough attention.

Hogan, also a Masters Champion, was recognized as golf's Wee Ice Mon for his steely nerves. Immelman demonstrated over 72 holes at Augusta National that he has the same kind of determination and cool demeanor.

Immelman shot a final-round 75 Sunday for a 280 total, eight-under-par, and a three-shot victory over four-time Champion Tiger Woods. It is the highest final round score by a winner since Arnold Palmer shot 75 in 1962.

Immelman made it look easy at times, but everybody knows winning the Masters certainly is anything but. He showed resolve and perseverance at every turn. When he needed to hit a key shot or make a clutch putt to ward off challengers, he did. It was quite a display of golf.

Immelman underwent surgery last December 18 to remove a non-cancerous tumor lodged beneath his ribs. He didn't touch a golf club for six weeks and then only was allowed to hit a few pitches and chips.

Now, less than four months later, he is at the pinnacle.

"I made a pretty fast recovery, got back out on tour eager to play, but my game wasn't quite there," he said. "I wasn't happy with the way I was playing. I felt I had to start from zero again. Here I am after missing the cut last week Masters Champion. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard of."

Immelman knew the conditions would be difficult, with a blowing, swirling wind.

"It was a tough day out there," Immelman said. "I knew it was going to be tough out there for us and I knew I had to stick to my game plan, play one shot at a time, and just be tough. I'm proud of myself for doing that.

"This has been the ultimate roller coaster ride and I hate roller coasters."

Two American challengers with six Masters titles between them - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson - were poised to challenge Immelman but came up short.

They shot even-par 72 in the final round. Woods was runner-up by three shots; Mickelson finished at 286, six strokes behind the winner.

"I just didn't quite have it this week," Woods said. "I didn't make the putts I needed to make this entire week."

Mickelson, winner in 2004 and 2006, posted three rounds at par or better, including a second-round 68. His inability to play the par 3s with efficiency was costly. He made double-bogey and bogey the final two rounds at the 16th hole. He also had two bogeys each at the par-3 sixth and 12th holes.

"I hit two good shots today and made bogeys on four and 16, putting them in a tough spot and three-putting," Mickelson said. "Another three feet and the ball could have rolled down and I could have had a good opportunity (for birdie) both times. Some of it might have been play but some of it might have just been unfortunate."

Mickelson's most unfortunate break came at the par-5 eighth hole during Saturday's third round. His third shot hit the flagstick and caromed away. Instead of a short birdie putt, he three-putted. His charge had ended and try as he might, there was little he could do in the final round.

"I was hoping to make more of a run than I did," Mickelson said. "But it was a tough day and I felt like I had to fight pretty hard to keep it around par. But I certainly had some chances that could have brought it lower. It just doesn't look like it would have been enough anyway.

"I thought I struck the ball pretty well this week and it's encouraging that playing the majors I'm striking the ball better than probably I ever have. My chipping came around this week. It hasn't been where I wanted it."

Vartan Kupelian is the golf writer at The Detroit News.

Washingtonians On Tour

PGA Tour

Name	Birthplace	Events	Earnings	World Rank	Scoring Average
Fred Couples	Seattle	6	$229,727	358	70.68
Career Totals		558	$19,401,526
Jeff Gove	Seattle	2	$0	433	73.78
Career Totals		125	$1,745,526
Ryan Moore	Tacoma	6	$214,496	97	71.42
Career Totals		73	$3,577,765
Kirk Triplett	Moses Lake	0	$0
Career Totals		450	$13,531,288

Fred Couples

Jeff Gove

Ryan Moore

Krik Triplett

LPGA Tour

Jimin Kang	Seattle	4	$36,200		71.9
Career Totals			$799,860
Paige Mackenzie	Yakima	1	$7,139		73.0
Career Totals			$56,243
Wendy Ward	Edwall	3	$19,672		72.56
Career Totals			$3,954,452

Jimin Kang

Paige Mackenzie

Wendy Ward

Nationwide Tour

Brock Mackenzie	Yakima	2	$0	560	74
Career Totals		37	$137,088	-	-
PGA Tour Totals		3	$7,388	-	-
Alex Prugh	Spokane	2	$17,050	-	71
Career Totals		3	$18,344	-	-
PGA Tour Totals		1	$0	-	-
Michael Putnam	Tacoma	4	$17,995	464	72.29
Career Totals		31	$250,114	-	-
PGA Tour Totals		34	$652,092	-	-

Brock Mackenzie

Alex Prugh

Michael Putnam

Women's Golf Takes the Lead in Second Round of Spring Invitational

BOULDER CREEK, Nev. - The Washington State University women's golf team moved into first place after another solid round of play at the Spring Invitational, Tuesday.

The Cougars carded a second round total of 289 and head into the final day of play with a total score of 574 at the par-72, 6,204-yard Boulder Creek Golf Club. The Cougars are three strokes ahead of second place BYU.

Senior Tracy Broders leads the Cougar women and currently sits in a tie for third overall. Broders shot an even par 72 and compiled a two-day total of 141 (-3). Sophomore Diana Hong also sits in the top 10 as she carded a total score of 143 (-1), good for a tie at 10th.

"The women played really well again today and are in position to greatly improve their postseason chances with a win at UNLV," Head Coach Walt Williams said.

Junior Amy Eneroth cruised up the leaderboard in the second round after inking a 1-under 71. Eneroth sits in a tie for 16th and heads into the final day of competition with a score of 145.

Junior Jessica Black also fared well in the second day of play as she moved into a tie for 29th after carding an even par 72. Black's two-day total is 148. Senior Brooke Henderson ended the day with a total score of 150 and rounds out the Cougar contingent.

The women look to stay atop the leaderboard as the third and final round of competition begins at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday.

WSU Results: T3. Tracy Broders (69-72--141, -3); T10. Diana Hong (69-74--143, -1); T16. Amy Eneroth (74-71--145, +1); T29. Jessica Black (76-72--148, +4); T40. Brooke Henderson (73-77--150, +6).

The Field: 1. Washington State (285-289--574, -2); 2. Brigham Young (293-284--577, +1); 3. Texas Tech (292-286--578, +2); 4. San Francisco (291-290--581. +5); 5. Oregon (292-291--583, +7); 6. UNLV (284-302--586, +10); T7. Campbell (297-293--590, +14); T7. Washington (293-297--590, +14); T7. Idaho (297-293--590, +14); T7. UC Davis (296-294--590, +14); T11. Indiana (295-299--594, +18); T11. Fresno State (301-293--594, +18); 13. Colorado State (304-294--598, +22); 14. Sacramento State (299-301--600, +24); 15. New Mexico State (305-302--607, +31); 16. Kansas State (311-301--612, +36); 17. Long Beach State (321-309--630, +54); 18. Eastern Washington (322-315--637, +61).

Top Five Individuals: T1. Cathryn Bristow, Oregon (69-69--138, -6); T1. Kelly Nakashima, Idaho (68-70--138, -6); T3. Tracy Broders, Washington State (69-72--141, -3); T3. Christina Stockton, San Francisco, (69-72--141, -3); T3. Ulrika van Niekerk, Texas Tech (70-71--141, -3).

Tacoma's Chambers Bay To Host 2015 Ope

FAR HILLS, NJ - The United States Golf Association recently announced it has awarded the 2015 U.S. Open Championship to Chambers Bay, the spectacular municipal links course located on the scenic lower Puget Sound in University Place, Wash., that will also be the site of the 2008 West Coast Conference Championship April 14-15.

The USGA also announced that Chambers Bay, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., will play host to the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2010. The course opened last June.

"I think this shows what kind of a course we will be playing on in April," Gonzaga head men's golf coach Robert Gray said. "It has been open for less than a year and it already has the respect of the USGA and the golf world."

"It is a beautiful layout," Gonzaga women's golf coach Brad Rickel said. "But it is a challenging course. It's a great opportunity for the WCC to be able to secure such an outstanding venue for our championship."

Chambers Bay will be the third municipal course to play host to the U.S. Open, following Bethpage Black in New York (2002, 2009) and Torrey Pines in California later this year. Chambers Bay will be the first golf course in the Pacific Northwest to hold the U.S. Open.

"We are excited to take the U.S. Open Championship and the U.S. Amateur to such an awesome site," said Jim Hyler, chairman of the USGA Championship Committee. "This is the first time the U.S. Open has been to Washington and we are confident that the golf course will provide a challenging test for the best players in the world, as well as a great spectator experience for those who attend the event and watch it online and on television.

"The local leadership provided by Pierce County has been superb and we look forward to partnering with them and the great sports fans in Washington to host a truly unique Open Championship. And, the U.S. Amateur will give us great insight into the golf course architecture and championship setup. For the first time, the National Open will be played on fine fescue grasses, including the putting greens, " continued Hyler.

Chambers Bay is the centerpiece of a 930-acre park purchased by Pierce County, Wash., in 1992 that today features scenic trails and coastline vistas where a sand and gravel quarry once stood.

"Our hard work has paid off as we have done everything possible to attract the attention of a prestigious championship," said Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg. "Even so, we never dreamed we'd be chosen by the USGA to host both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open championships. Especially not so close to the opening of the course. It is a true honor."

"Chambers Bay golf course is a jewel for the entire state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The US Open and US Amateur Championships will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of our state and share it with golf enthusiasts from around the globe," said Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. "I applaud County Executive John Ladenburg for his hard work on delivering the championship events to Pierce County."

Huskies In Second After Two Rounds At GADO North Texas Classic

NUEVO VALLARTA, Mexico - The Washington men's golf team sits in second-place after the first two rounds of the GADO North Texas Classic at the Flamingos Golf Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, Sunday. The Huskies shot 3-over 579 in the opening rounds, led by sophomore Nick Taylor who is currently tied for fifth place.

The Huskies began the day with a first-round score of 3-over 291, but improved in the afternoon round carding an even-par 288. Washington does have quite a bit of ground to make up though with one round remaining, as it trails leader Louisiana Lafayette (10-under 566) by 13 strokes. Rounding out the top five teams on the leaderboard are Southeastern Louisiana and Cal State Northridge which are tied for third place a 4-over 580. New Orleans is fifth at 6-over 582.

Taylor had a fairly consistent day, scoring even-par 72 and 2-under 70 on Sunday. He is 2-under 142 overall and is tied with sixth other players in the fifth-place spot, but is just two shots behind the leaders - Jose Toledo of New Orleans and Kyle Nicolson of Cal State Northridge - who are 4-under 140.

The Huskies have two other players in the Top-20 with sophomore Darren Wallace tied for 14th (1-over 145) and senior Zach Bixler tied for 17th (2-over 146). Bixler's second-round score of 2-under 70 matched Taylor for the low UW round of the day.

Also competing for Washington are freshman Tze Huang Choo (tied for 43rd, 6-over 150) and junior John Wise (tied for 48th, 8-over 152). The GADO North Texas Classic wraps up with the final 18 holes on Monday beginning at 7:30 a.m CT/5:30 a.m. PT.

GADO North Texas Classic
Flamingos Golf Club; Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Par 72/6,853 Yards

Top-10 Team Standings
1. Louisiana Lafayette 278-288-566
2. Washington 291-288-579
3. Southeastern La. 292-288-580
3. Cal State Northridge 286-294-580
5. New Orleans 283-299-582
6. Colorado State 295-288-583
7. Middle Tennessee St. 291-295-586
8. Troy 291-296-587
9. North Texas 297-292-589
10. Missouri 290-303-593

Washington Results
T5. Nick Taylor 72-70-142
T14. Darren Wallace 72-73-145
T17. Zach Bixler 76-70-146
T43. Tze Huang Choo 71-79-150
T48. John Wise 77-75-152

Boeing Classic Gets Sponsorship Extension

The Boeing Company, Virginia Mason Medical Center and the Champions Tour have announced that the Boeing Classic will continue under the existing operating agreement through 2012. In its three-year history, the event has raised more than $2.3 million for The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

The Boeing Classic has established itself as one of the top stops on the senior circuit for sponsor and spectator attendance, player experiences and charitable dollars raised. In 2007, the event drew 60,000 spectators and set a single-day attendance mark when 27,000 fans. Denis Watson prevailed in the historic seven-man playoff to capture his second Champions Tour title.

The 2008 Boeing Classic will be held August 18-24 at the Jack Nicklaus-designed TPC Snoqualmie Ridge in Snoqualmie, Wash. The event will feature Watson, voted by his peers as the 2007 Champions Tour Rookie of the Year, and 77 other players. Some of the most recognizable names in golf are now on the Champions Tour, including Mark O'Meara, Craig Stadler, Ben Crenshaw, Peter Jacobsen, Tom Kite and Fuzzy Zoeller, all of whom have competed in the Boeing Classic.

More than the title sponsor, The Boeing Company and its employees are an integral part of the planning, execution and ultimate success of the tournament. "The Boeing Classic is a signature sporting event for the Puget Sound region, and one more way to showcase what makes our communities so special," said Scott Carson, president and CEO for Boeing Commercial Airplanes and tournament co-chair. "Since its inaugural year, the tournament has had a tremendous charitable impact on the area. Hundreds of people generously volunteer their time and talents each year to make this stop on the PGA Champions Tour exciting for fans and players alike. The Boeing Classic is an example of the good things that happen when people come together for a common purpose, and bringing people together is what Boeing Commercial Airplanes is all about. We are pleased to announce that we intend to continue as title sponsor, and have reached agreement with Virginia Mason and the Champions Tour to extend our support for another four years."

The driving force behind bringing the golf event to the region, Tod Leiweke and the Seattle Seahawks organization have galvanized business leaders in support of the Boeing Classic. "I can think of no better way to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Boeing Classic than by announcing this extension through 2012," said the CEO of the Seattle Seahawks and Tournament Co-Chair. "The tournament has been a catalyst for bringing community and civic leaders together not only to bring professional golf to Seattle area golf fans each year, but also to demonstrate how area businesses and fans can raise substantial charitable dollars for The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason."

"The Boeing Classic now lists three past champions - David Eger in 2005, World Golf Hall of Fame Member Tom Kite in 2006, and Denis Watson last year. But all of us associated with The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason are gratified to acknowledge that charity and our patients are also big winners each year," said Chairman and CEO Virginia Mason Medical Center, and Tournament Co-Chair Gary Kaplan, M.D.

The Champions Tour has seen tremendous growth, having set new marks for television ratings and attendance as the strength of the field and player popularity continues to improve. "The Boeing Classic has quickly established itself as a one of our premier events, largely because The Boeing Company has supported this tournament in the same first-class manner they have long demonstrated to the customers and communities they serve," said Champions Tour President Rick George. "Our players and their families look forward to visiting the Pacific Northwest each year and in partnership with Boeing and Virginia Mason we are proud to continue to present our great product to sports fans in the Greater Seattle area.

"This agreement also marks the first of what we anticipate to be more extension announcements with some of our other events later this spring and summer, further demonstrating the robust health the Champions Tour is enjoying coming off another banner season in 2007."

Pierce County Excited about U.S. Open & U.S. Amateur Coming to Chambers Bay

Long before the first ball was teed up at Chambers Bay, Pierce County officials were working hard to attract a national championship. Those efforts have paid off after the USGA announced that the new course will host the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open.

"Chambers Bay was designed and built with a major championship in mind," said Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, "but we never dreamed we'd be chosen by the USGA to host both the Amateur and the Open. Especially not so close to the opening of the course. It is a true honor."

The announcement brought satisfaction to the county executive who battled to win funding and community support for what he said from the beginning was an economic development and tourism project, as opposed to a recreational venture. Ladenburg's objective was to build a golf course that would complement other local attractions, such as the LeMay "America's Car Museum," by bringing golf and tourism dollars to Pierce County from across North America and beyond.

The U.S. Open is predicted to have a considerable economic impact on the county and surrounding area. Estimates go as high as $100 million. "Based on past championships, we expect more than 20,000 hotel rooms to be booked for as long as a week," said Denise Dyer, Pierce County Economic Development Director. "And that's just the beginning. There could be as many as 60,000 people dining in local restaurants, shopping in local stores, enjoying the local nightlife and doing all the other things tourists do everyday. There's no arguing the U.S. Open will provide a major boost to the local economy."

Chambers Bay will also host the 2010 U.S. Amateur. Pierce County didn't wait to get the nod before beginning preparations for the prestigious event. In hopes of impressing USGA officials of the area's seriousness and capabilities, Ladenburg created a task force in cooperation with local municipalities, transit organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other offices and departments to begin the process of successfully conducting a large-scale public event.

"It will take strong partnerships to pull this off," said Lynne Griffith, CEO of Pierce Transit, "and Pierce County has already taken a giant step in that direction." Griffith managed urban and suburban public transit programs in Atlanta during the 1996 Summer Olympics. We will work together to make this a successful event."

A new clubhouse, lodging and practice facility are also in the plans for Chambers Bay. By the end of the month, Pierce County will send out a Request for Proposal to interested private developers. It is hoped the clubhouse will be ready for the U.S. Amateur in two years. The USGA will be involved in the process.

"The USGA has conducted a great many championships through the years. They know what goes into a successful clubhouse," said Ladenburg. "We want the developer to work closely with the USGA to make sure we have a structure golfers will enjoy and one that mirrors the quality of the course."

The casita-style lodging is expected to blend into the topography at the south end of the course. Housing will be limited to approximately 150 guests who will typically stay two or three days to play golf and enjoy the surrounding area. Pierce County will work with the city of University Place on permits, traffic and other issues.

"Chambers Bay lies within University Place," said Mayor Linda Bird. "Hosting a championship of this caliber and prestige will result in a tremendous economic opportunity for our city. We're looking forward to working with Pierce County to assure a successful event."

Geography played a significant role in the selection of Chambers Bay by the USGA. Situated on 250 acres of the 930-acre Chambers Creek Properties, the course offers spectacular views from every hole including Puget Sound, Anderson, Fox, McNeil and Ketron islands and the Olympic Mountains. "We've been told there are few comparable sites in the United States," Ladenburg said.

Since opening last June, Chambers Bay has received a number of accolades. The facility, operated by KemperSports, has garnered the following awards:

* "Best New Course of the Year" on Golf Magazine's list of the "Top 10 New Courses You Can Play"
* Number one in the Daily Fee category of Golf Inc.'s "Development of the Year"
* Travel + Leisure Golf magazine's 2007 Course of the Year
* Top-ranked daily fee/municipal course and No. 2 overall on Golfweek's "Best New Courses" list
* Golf Course Industry's Builder Excellence Award/Best New Course

For more information about Chambers Bay, visit www.chambersbaygolf.com.

Public course in Washington lands U.S. Open

Vartan Kupelian / The Detroit News

The U.S. Open is going to another municipal golf course, Chambers Bay, in University Place, Wash.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Bruce Charleton, Chambers Bay, on the lower Puget Sound, has been awarded the 2015 U.S. Open. Chambers Bay will be the third municipal course to play host to the U.S. Open in this decade. The others are Bethpage Black (2002, 2009) in New York and Torrey Pines later this year.

Chambers Bay has been open less than a year in a 930-acre park owned by Pierce County.

The U.S. Open has now been awarded through 2015, when it was expected to go back to Winged Foot before members of the exclusive New York private club voted against it.

Oakland Hills Country Club remains in line to get the 2016 U.S. Open.

The USGA also announced last week that Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin will be the site of the 2011 U.S. Amateur. Traditionally, that's an indication that a U.S. Open is on the horizon.

There has been a buzz about both Erin Hills and Chambers Bay in recent months.

Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants awarded to 18 chapters of The First Tee --WA Chapter is Recipient

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA Foundation, in conjunction with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, has begun the 2008 golf season awarding teaching grants totaling $90,000 to 18 chapters of The First Tee representing 14 states.

To date, 155 of the 206 active chapters of The First Tee nationwide have been recipients of either a PGA of America or Nicklaus/PGA teaching grant. The combined PGA and Nicklaus/PGA grants total $1,810,000.

Since 2001, The PGA of America and Nicklaus have partnered to create a $2 million endowment to provide teaching grants to certified chapters of The First Tee that utilize PGA Professionals for instruction.

"The PGA of America is proud to kick off this New Year with our partner Jack Nicklaus to extend Nicklaus/PGA Teaching Grants coast to coast," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "The wonderful messages and reports we receive are that these grants continue to produce success stories in communities. The First Tee momentum has helped grow the game of golf and brought many young people into the game."

The program continues to highlight The PGA of America's commitment to partner with its PGA Professionals to grow participation in golf.

The current Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants totaling $5,000 each have been awarded to The First Tee Chapters in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

Since its inception in 1997, there are 206 chapters of The First Tee in operation and 264 golf-learning facilities that have introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students (which include the students of the National School Program). The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.

The PGA Growth of the Game Program is one of a number of initiatives administered by The PGA of America through its PGA Foundation

The PGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, is dedicated to enhancing lives through the game of golf. The Foundation provides people of every ability, race, gender, and social and economic background an opportunity to experience the game and learn vital life lessons. The PGA Foundation achieves its mission through programs which provide instruction and access to playing the game of golf along with enriching those lives by providing educational, employment and scholarship opportunities.

For more information about the PGA Foundation, visit www.pgafoundation.org, or call (561) 624-7612.

Nicklaus/PGA of America Teaching Grant - $5,000 awarded to each chapter
The First Tee of Greater Trenton - Hamilton, N.J.
The First Tee of The Tri-Valley - Pleasanton, Calif.
The First Tee of Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The First Tee of Columbia Basin - Pasco, Wash.
The First Tee of New Orleans - New Orleans, La.
The First Tee of Albany - Albany, Ga.
The First Tee of Clearwater - Clearwater, Fla.
The First Tee of Modesto - Modesto, Calif.
The First Tee of Metropolitan NY/Essex County - Newark, N.J.
The First Tee of Northern Nevada - Reno, Nev.
The First Tee of Eagle County - Edwards, Colo.
The First Tee of Idaho - Boise, Idaho
The First Tee of the Lake Norman Region - Cornelius, N.C.
The First Tee of Central Louisiana - Pineville, La.
The First Tee of Harford County, Md. - Aberdeen, Md.
The First Tee of Metropolitan NY/Nassau County - East Meadow, N.Y.
The First Tee of Metropolitan NY/Golf Club at Chelsea Piers - New York, N.Y.
The First Tee of Brazoria County - Lake Jackson, Texas

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $195 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.

The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.