United States Ryder Cup Team Directs $2.6 Million to Community Outreach Programs, Growth of the Game Junior Golf Initiatives

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 21, 2012 / 3BL Media / PRNewswire/ -- United States Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III and his Team made a commitment prior to their much-anticipated meeting with Europe in the 39^th Ryder Cup. By participating in the 2012 Ryder Cup, the U.S. Team and Captain will direct $2.6 million to impact designated charities and growth of the game initiatives as a means of outreach support to communities nationwide.

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Each U.S. Ryder Cup Team participant as well as U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Love received $200,000, with $100,000 designated to the charity or charities of their choice. Another $100,000 from each player will be directed to help support PGA junior golf programs designed to introduce the game; provide unique approaches to play golf; and deliver world class coaching and mentoring to juniors who may not otherwise have the financial means to join the game.

"It was a thrill to be a member of six U.S. Ryder Cup Teams and to serve as Captain is an even greater honor," said Love. "Because of these opportunities comes the chance to give back, by supporting charitable organizations around the country, as well as junior golf development programs that will have a lasting impact on the next generation of golfers."

The Ryder Cup Outreach Program impacts PGA Junior League Golf, an exciting new team concept for young players throughout the country, which incorporates the "Little League" approach to the game of golf. PGA Junior League Golf is designed to better socialize the game for juniors ages 7 to 13, and places an emphasis on fun, recreation and the sportsmanship of the game for players of any skill level.

In addition, the Outreach Program will help to continue the Ryder Cup Junior Academy that began in 2010 in response to recommendations from past United States Ryder Cup Team Captains. The Academy is designed to provide aspiring young players, who may otherwise not have the means to attend, the opportunity to experience a week-long player-development academy taught by award-winning PGA Professionals

The Ryder Cup Outreach Program also will support The PGA of America's partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as their official youth development partner. This program, utilizing the PGA Sports Academy, will introduce youth nationwide to the golf and provide golf training equipment and instructional support from PGA Professionals to help youth build character, develop healthy lifestyles and to learn the game.

Since 1999, and covering a total of six U.S. Ryder Cup Teams and Captains, a total of 149 player-designated charities have received funding from the Ryder Cup Outreach Program, with more than $18 million donated on behalf of the Teams.

Webb Simpson, who will be making his inaugural appearance in the Ryder Cup, was grateful for the impact he was able to make his local charities as well as junior golf development programs.

"I am really looking forward to competing in my first Ryder Cup and also being able to give back," said Simpson. "The charities we touch and the junior golf development programs that receive these funds will help many people and also help to grow our game."

The 39^th Ryder Cup will be conducted Sept. 28-30, at the Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.

39th Ryder Cup Outreach Program

U.S. Ryder Cup Team Community Outreach Programs

($100,000 per player to help fund PGA Junior League Golf, the Ryder Cup Junior Academy and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America)

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