U.S. Ryder Cup Team Directs $2.6 Million to Community Outreach Programs, Play Golf America Universities, Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin and his Team made a commitment prior to their much-anticipated meeting with Europe this week in the 38th Ryder Cup. By their play, they will impact U.S.-based charitable organizations, students at colleges and universities nationwide and affect the competitive abilities of aspiring young golfers.

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On behalf of the U.S. Team, PGA Tournament Corporation and The PGA of America will direct $2.6 million to designated charities, Play Golf America Universities chosen by the U.S. Captain and players; and help support the launch of the Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy.

Each U.S. Ryder Cup Team participant as well as U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Pavin, are designating $100,000 to the charity of their choice; $50,000 to the college/university of their choice for Play Golf America University programming; and $50,000 to the Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy, which is scheduled for a summer launch in 2011 to benefit aspiring junior golfers who otherwise would not have the opportunity to receive PGA Professional instruction.

Since the Ryder Cup Outreach Program began in 1999, more than $15 million has been donated on behalf of the Ryder Cup team and Captain.

The 38th Ryder Cup will be conducted Oct. 1-3, at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales.

"It is an honor to serve as both as a player and now Captain of my country's Ryder Cup Team," said Pavin. "As part of our Team's commitment to the game of golf and to our communities, we are proud to be able to support charitable organizations. That outreach extends to Play Golf America University programs and the newly-created Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy, which will allow juniors who would normally never get the opportunity to experience the finest coaching available."

Since 1999, and covering a total of six U.S. Ryder Cup Teams and Captains, a total of 149 player-designated charities and 50 colleges and universities have received funding from the Ryder Cup Outreach Program. To date, PGA Professionals have provided instruction to more than 29,000 college students through this program.

Play Golf America University is a PGA of America college and university golf program, designed to teach and engage students in the game of golf through PGA Professional instruction and other golf programs.

"As we prepare for one of the greatest spectacles in golf, we have much to cheer about before any member of our U.S. Team has stepped to the tee," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "We celebrate how these players are impacting the future of the game and benefiting countless thousands touched by wonderful organizations. Such a combination makes the Ryder Cup Outreach Program a tradition that we all can be most proud."

Ryder Cup rookies Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar said that they were grateful for the impact that they may make by their debut in the Ryder Cup.

"It is an honor to represent my country in the Ryder Cup, and the icing on the cake is the opportunity to give back through the Ryder Cup Outreach Program," said Johnson. "I hope that my contributions to Coastal Carolina University and those whom I reach through the Dustin Johnson Foundation make a small difference in the lives of others."

Kuchar, a graduate of Georgia Tech University, directed his Play Golf America University donation to the Coastal College of Georgia.

"While I am excited about competing on my first Ryder Cup Team, I am equally excited about the opportunity to give charitable contributions to causes I really believe in," said Kuchar. "To represent your country and make an impact on some most deserving foundations is very cool and a unique opportunity."

About The PGA of America

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 multi-billion dollar 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.

SOURCE PGA of America

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