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

The PGA Growth of the Game Program, in conjunction with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, has awarded teaching grants totaling $35,000 to seven First Tee Chapters representing seven 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, 89 of the 141 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 $90,000 this year, bringing the overall donation to $350,000. The combined PGA and Nicklaus/PGA grants total $1,250,000.

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

Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants totaling $35,000 have been awarded to First Tee Chapters in Alabama, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Texas and Utah. Since 1999, The PGA of America has awarded teaching grants totaling $4,542,269.

"The PGA's Growth of the Game teaching grants, in conjunction with Jack Nicklaus, have been a tremendous tool to reach out and connect PGA Professionals with their respective communities," said PGA of America President Roger Warren, who was sworn in as the Association's new president on Nov. 6. "These grants have enabled First Tee programs to continue the momentum of growing the game by bringing more people into golf."

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.

NICKLAUS/PGA OF AMERICA TEACHING GRANT - $5,000 each

The First Tee of Blaine -- Blaine, Minn.
The First Tee of Houston/Redstone -- Humble, Texas
The First Tee of Metropolitan New York -- Bronx, N.Y.
The First Tee of Montgomery, Ala. -- Montgomery, Ala.
The First Tee of Montgomery County -- Washington Grove, Md.
The First Tee of the Seacoast -- North Hampton, N.H.
The First Tee of Salt Lake City -- Murray, Utah