Denver PGA TOUR Superstore Awards $10,000 to Area First Tee Chapters

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Jan 09, 2012, 11:00 ET

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PGA TOUR Superstore today announced $10,000 in grants to chapters of The First Tee serving youth in Denver and Green Valley Ranch. The First Tee impacts the lives of young people by promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

In partnership with The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, PGA TOUR Superstore supports The First Tee chapters reaching more than 75,000 young people in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, Myrtle Beach, Naples, Delray Beach and Phoenix. The Foundation's chairman, Arthur M. Blank, is also chairman of Golf &Tennis Pro Shop, owner and operator of PGA TOUR Superstore.

"The First Tee chapters in Denver and Green Valley Ranch provide young people with life-changing experiences," said Golf & Tennis Pro Shop President and CEO Dick Sullivan. "Our associates are proud to help more youth gain access to The First Tee character education and golf instruction."

"We are fortunate to have a PGA TOUR Superstore in the Denver metro area because they, like us, believe in using the great game of golf to positively impact the lives of young people. Donors like the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation are the reason we can reach thousands of children each and every year," said Brent Powers, Board Chair of The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch.

The First Tee of Denver is a youth development junior golf program that not only provides affordable access and golf instruction but also teaches valuable life skills. "This generous donation will provide program support so that The First Tee of Denver can continue to grow and serve young people who might not have opportunities in golf, summer employment or tutoring and mentoring activities in their communities otherwise," said Paula Purifoy, Executive Director of The First Tee of Denver. Their mission is to educate and inspire youth academically, socially and physically through the game of golf.

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 educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices 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 4.7 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. President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

About The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch
The Colorado Open Golf Foundation operates The First Tee chapter at Green Valley Ranch and administers the HealthONE Colorado Open Championships at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. The foundation, along with the allied golf associations of Colorado, also supports the Colorado PGA Golf in Schools program.

About PGA TOUR Superstore
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMB Group, LLC, headquartered in Roswell, Georgia.

As the PGA TOUR's exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise that card-carrying TOUR pros use each week in the TOUR Vans that accompany them. All stores are staffed with teaching Professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, a putting green, and chipping area. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Many stores are equipped with a full-size tennis court and a Tennis Professional on staff for lessons and clinics.

Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men's, women's, and juniors' apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www2.pgatoursuperstore.com.

SOURCE The First Tee