First Tee, an organization dedicated to helping youth stay active and build character through golf, has received a $9.5 million grant from PGA Tour Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. This money will help First Tee reach more children across the United States and expand its curriculum for teenage participants in particular.
“We are committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth,” said Arthur Blank, chairman of PGA Tour Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and likely more well known as the owner of the Atlanta Falcons.
“This is the embodiment of the First Tee’s mission and we are proud to support them. For more than a decade, we have built a strong partnership with the First Tee and will continue to work together to empower young people with core values such honesty, integrity and sportsmanship that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life.”
In 2011, First Tee’s sphere of influence included around 260,000 kids. By 2019, that number had grown to over 1.5 million thanks to continued support from PGA Tour Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Nowadays, First Tee maintains a presence at 150 chapters, 1,600 youth centers and 10,000 schools.
New teen-centric programming planned for 2021 include an annual five-week leadership development program offered to over 1,300 youth at PGA Tour Superstores. Forty more will be chosen each year to participate in a week-long summit at Montana’s West Creek Ranch.
“We are grateful for leaders like Arthur Blank and his family of businesses who understand the power of investing in young people and their communities through First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour and Chairman of First Tee.
“First Tee’s ability to connect with and empower the next generation in intentional and innovative ways is realized through partnerships like this one. Thank you to Mr. Blank and his store executives for investing in our future.”
