PGA TOUR Superstores Challenge and Support The First Tee Chapters' Growth

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Feb 19, 2014, 08:00 ET

ATLANTA, Feb. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, PGA TOUR Superstore is teaming up with the PGA TOUR, Inc. and The First Tee chapters in store markets to strengthen their impact on young people through the "PGA TOUR Superstore 5% Challenge."

PGA TOUR Superstore, in partnership with The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, is pledging more than $400,000 in grants and incentives to chapters in store markets in 2014, boosting their innovative approaches to reach young people who may not otherwise be served, with an emphasis on young women and minorities.

The 16 chapters of The First Tee in PGA TOUR Superstore markets reach more than 300,000 young people annually through in-school and after-school programs. The focus of the "PGA TOUR Superstore 5% Challenge" is specifically on the chapters' out-of-school program, Life Skills Experience, which is delivered at golf facilities by coaches trained in positive youth development. Chapters that increase their participation by 5% will receive additional grant support in 2014.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience uses the game of golf to help young people build character by learning life skills including managing emotions, setting goals and resolving conflicts. Third-party research on the program confirmed it is effective in helping participants acquire and transfer important life skills and core values to all areas of their lives, including school and situations with friends.

"PGA TOUR Superstore associates are excited to help attract new participants to The First Tee chapters in their communities and know there are many benefits to the young people who get involved," said Dick Sullivan, President and CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. "The growth strategy for The First Tee chapters means more resources stay in the local community and more young people benefit from the character education programs."

Arthur M. Blank, chairman of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, became a Trustee of The First Tee in 2012 by pledging $1 million to support the youth development organization's goal of reaching 10 million additional young people from 2011 to 2017. Blank is controlling owner and chairman of Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., which owns PGA TOUR Superstore. Blank directs a percentage of the Trustee gift to The First Tee chapters in markets where the stores are located. The "PGA TOUR Superstore 5% Challenge" lends additional support to The First Tee chapters in store markets.

PGA TOUR Superstore supports The First Tee chapters reaching young people in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Delray Beach, Denver, East Palo Alto, Irvine, Long Island, Myrtle Beach, Naples, Palm Desert, Paramus and Phoenix.

Launched in 1997, The First Tee's mission is to provide educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through golf. Through 2013, The First Tee has reached nine million young people through its programs on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. The First Tee encourages young people to adopt healthy, active lifestyles and set the right course for success in school and in life.

In addition to the grant funding, PGA TOUR Superstores offer The First Tee chapters access to store resources and activities, including indoor simulators, golf clinics and golf tournaments. The stores also feature visual elements that build awareness with their customers for The First Tee's mission.

For more information about The First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org. For more information about PGA TOUR Superstore, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

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 elementary schools, at other youth-serving locations and on military installations.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to nine million young people in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee's Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee's Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

About PGA TOUR Superstore:
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., headquartered in Roswell, GA, and is a majority-controlled subsidiary of AMB Group, LLC.

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 and a putting green. There is also an in-house clubmaking and repair facility. 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.

PGA TOUR Superstore's e-Commerce website and direct-to-consumer fulfillment also offers the widest assortment of golf and tennis equipment and apparel online. PGATOURSuperstore.com is the PGA TOUR's exclusive online retail partner, accessible through the Shop link on the TOUR's website and mobile applications. For more information and career opportunities, visit us at: www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

SOURCE PGA TOUR Superstore