The PGA and Jack Nicklaus have partnered to create a $2 million endowment for teaching grants.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - The PGA Growth of the Game Program, in conjunction with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, have awarded teaching grants totaling $65,000 to 12 recipients, including 11 First Tee Chapters, representing 11 states.

The PGA and Nicklaus have partnered to create a $2 million endowment to provide teaching grants to certified First Tee Chapters that use PGA Professionals and apprentices for instruction.

To date, 85 of the 154 active First Tee Chapters in the country have been recipients of either a PGA of America or Nicklaus/PGA teaching grant. Nicklaus/PGA Teaching Grants awarded now total $315,000, bringing the combined PGA and Nicklaus/PGA grants awarded to $1,205,000.

The program continues to highlight The PGA of America's commitment to partner with its PGA Professionals to grow participation in golf.

A PGA of America teaching grant of $10,000 has been awarded to the John Cook Family Foundation of Ashville, Ohio. In addition, 11 Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants totaling $55,000 have been awarded to 11 First Tee Chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington. Since 1998, The PGA of America has awarded teaching grants totaling $890,000.

"The PGA's Growth of the Game teaching grants, in conjunction with Jack Nicklaus, represent another means by which golf may impact upon many lives and serve as an inspiration for PGA Professionals in achieving a connection with many within their respective communities," said PGA of America President M.G. Orender. "These grants enable First Tee programs to maintain the momentum necessary within their local communities to bring more people into the game."

The PGA Growth of the Game Program is one of a number of initiatives administered by The PGA of America through its PGA Foundation. The PGA Foundation was established in 1954 as the Association's charitable arm to provide resources and professional expertise to make golf more accessible to all segments of the population. Today, the PGA Foundation helps promote interest and participation in the game through research, education, community golf initiatives and growth of the game grants. For more on The PGA Growth of the Game grant program, visit www.pgafoundation.com, or contact The PGA Foundation at (561) 624-7612.

The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

Grant Recipients

PGA OF AMERICA TEACHNG GRANT - $10,000
The John Cook Family Foundation Inc., Ashville, Ohio

NICKLAUS/PGA OF AMERICA TEACHING GRANT - $5,000 each
The First Tee of Augusta - Augusta, Ga.
The First Tee of Birmingham - Birmingham, Ala.
The First Tee of Northeast Arkansas - Blytheville, Ark.
The First Tee of Portland - Portland, Ore.
The First Tee of Greater Atlantic City - Northfield, N.J.
The First Tee of Sandhills - Vass, N.C.
The First Tee of Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The First Tee of Greater Seattle-Jackson - Seattle, Wash.
The First Tee of Greater Seattle-Jefferson - Seattle, Wash.
The First Tee of Southern Nevada - Las Vegas, Nev.
Greater Rockford First Tee - Rockford, Ill.