The USGA has awarded a $5,000 grant to First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky to further their efforts of introducing life skills and the game of golf to young people.
The grant is one of 25 being awarded nationwide to chapters located in or around USGA Championships and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive impact on its local host communities.
The grants are a continuation of the support the USGA has provided First Tee for more than 20 years, and one of a series of initiatives in which the organizations have collaborated on in 2019. The First Tee chapter of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is a close partner of the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, one of 59 USGA Allied Golf Associations.
The announcement was made Tuesday at the USGA’s U.S. Amateur Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
“We are proud to see our First Tee grant funding directly benefit those communities that welcome us throughout the year and embrace the spirit of what a USGA championship represents,” Davis added. “The USGA is committed to making a difference in our host communities, and we are excited to see the long-term impact these grants will have in welcoming more junior golfers to the game, and to inspire them to play it for a lifetime.”
The USGA has supported the First Tee since its inception in 1997, providing more than $26 million in grants to the organization.
Their commitment to bringing more young people to the game was highlighted this past June during the 119th U.S. Open Championship, where the two organizations debuted the Junior Experience Featuring First Tee. The on-site interactive experience connected youth attending with the excitement and values associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country.
“This grant provides vital resources for us to continue living out First Tee’s mission to grow great kids through golf every day in our community,” said Alicia Lawrence, Executive Director of First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. “Zero is our favorite number- we take pride in ensuring children have zero barriers to participating in First Tee programs at golf courses, in elementary schools, and youth centers.
Operating since 2006, The nonprofit First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky offers innovative and proven youth development programming that integrates life skills, core values and healthy habits lessons with golf instruction. The region’s chapter serves children 7-to-18 years old residing in Hamilton, Clermont, Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
We are grateful for opportunities to continue strengthening our partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association,” said Lawrence. “Additionally, we forged new relationships in 2019 with the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati and Special Olympics of Hamilton County. These opportunities would not be possible without a committed group of individuals and organizations who invest in the vision we have for our chapter’s future.”
With USGA’s support, First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky reaches nearly 600 young people annually at six program locations through support from nearly 90 volunteers. First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky also impacts nearly 6,500 additional young people through character education and life skills programs at in-school and after-school programs.
For more information about the First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, visit www.thefirstteeGCNKY.org or call 513-988-7226. Click here to see the full list of USGA grant recipients.
First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
