Nicklaus Visits Dublin to Support The First Tee of Ireland

(Wednesday, 18th July)--Golf legend Jack Nicklaus paid a visit to Dublin today to support the work of The First Tee, a charity and character-building organisation that Nicklaus has been involved with as a global ambassador and as a National Trustee in the United States. Jack and his wife Barbara were guests of honour at a fundraising golf day for The First Tee of Ireland at Luttrellstown Castle Resort.

Both Jack and Barbara have a long history of charitable work, from junior golf to children's hospitals to several scholarship foundations. In addition to being a National Trustee, Jack has served since 2000 as co-chair with fellow Hall-of-Famer Juli Inkster of the "More Than a Game" capital campaign for The First Tee, a charitable organisation started in the United States in 1997 to introduce young people of all backgrounds to the game of golf and the life lessons it teaches. Since 2005, The First Tee has been operating and expanding throughout the island of Ireland and is supported by Premier Partners, One51 and Ulster Bank.

The First Tee programme is open to boys and girls, age 8 to 18 years old. They do not have to be members of a golf club nor do they need to have played the game of golf previously. Equipment is also provided. Core to The First Tee philosophy is promoting character development and life-enhancing values through golf.

The First Tee participants discover how the skills essential to success on a golf course can help them flourish in life. These skills include personal development, teamwork, relationship building, relating to others, social skills and managing difficult situations. Over 80 young The First Tee participants from all over Ireland were on hand Wednesday to meet Nicklaus.

"At a time when we need to do everything we can to promote positive values in our children, particularly thinking beyond themselves and caring for others, The First Tee has adopted that mission and is doing an excellent job," Nicklaus said. "My affection for Ireland is well known and it is such a great thrill for me to be here today to see the programme flourish throughout the country."

Having imparted some advice and a few tips to The First Tee participants, Nicklaus was joined by Ireland's Des Smyth and Peter Lawrie plus a host of celebrities to take part in the main business of the day--an 18-hole team event to raise funds to support the expansion of The First Tee programme.

The First Tee of Ireland Chairman, Philip Lynch paid tribute to Jack Nicklaus for his continued support for The First Tee.

"I can't thank Jack enough for taking the time to be here today," Lynch said. "His support is a huge encouragement to all of us involved in The First Tee of Ireland--from corporate partners, sponsors, participants but particularly the many volunteers who give of their precious time to help run our programme throughout the country. The volunteers and PGA Professionals are the heartbeat of this growing organisation and I want to thank and pay tribute to them. They are making a real difference to the lives of a lot of our young people."

Following the golf, Jack and Barbara were guests of honour at a Gala Dinner where they were presented with Life Membership of Luttrellstown Castle Resort and Honorary Membership of The Links Golfing Society.