Media Release: USGA Grant Awarded to First Tee of Howard County

USGA Awards Grant to First Tee of Howard County
for Local Youth Development Programs

USGA grant is part of a nationwide initiative to provide greater access to golf for youth

Columbia, MD (September 15, 2020) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded a $2,500 grant to First Tee of Howard County to further their efforts of introducing young people to 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 of Howard County reaches more than 500 young people annually at four program locations, with support from more than 25 volunteer coaches, plus a volunteer board of directors. First Tee of Howard County impacts young people through character education and life skills programs at in-school and after-school programs.

Don Van Deusen, executive director of First Tee of Howard County, expressed his appreciation, “With the unfortunate combination of increased expenses and less revenue this year due to COVID-19, the USGA grant makes it possible for us to offer our 2020 programs with all of the necessary safety measures in place, without having to increase enrollment fees for our participants. Perseverance is one of our core values that we talk about with our junior golfers, and we have learned this year more than ever the importance of it both on and off the golf course. We’re grateful for USGA’s investment in our youth at this critical time.”

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 of Howard County, visit www.firstteehowardcounty.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, 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.