The United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded a $2,500 grant to First Tee — Roanoke Valley to further its efforts of introducing young people to the game of golf and experiences that empower them to build their strength of character. The grant is one of 51 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.
Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than $26 million in grants to First Tee to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a life-long passion for the game. The commitment to expanding participation is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game.
“Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.”
First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. With USGA’s support, First Tee — Roanoke Valley reaches thousands of young people annually at area program locations, with support from hundreds of volunteers. First Tee – Roanoke Valley impacts young people through character education and life skills programs at in-school and after-school programs.
“Support from the USGA is vital to our chapter’s success; we are so grateful for their confidence in our chapter,” said Jennifer Blackwood, executive director of First Tee – Roanoke Valley. The funding is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment back into the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open.
For more information about the First Tee — Roanoke Valley, visit firstteeroanokevalley.org. Visit firsttee.org to see the full list of USGA grant recipients.
About the USGA The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves, and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, and handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.
About First Tee — Roanoke Valleyº First Tee – Roanoke Valley provides programs year-round that teach children lessons that lay the foundation needed to meet the many challenges of life. Located adjacent to Westside Elementary School in northwest Roanoke, The Scott Robertson Memorial Junior Golf Academy, home of First Tee – Roanoke Valley, includes a clubhouse, a driving range, a synthetic-turf putting green and a practice bunker area. The First Tee of Roanoke Valley serves thousands of children annually in our community through programs conducted in schools; youth service partnerships, at area courses and our facility. The chapter provides need-based scholarships to those qualifying students who are interested in participating.
