The MGA Junior Golf Fund

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2006

Headline: MGA Announces Launch of MGA Junior Golf Fund to Support Junior Programs in the Bay State

Norton, MA – After 15 years of reaching out and providing introductory golf instruction to more than 25,000 children in the Bay State, the MGA today announced that it has launched the MGA Junior Golf Fund, an annual fund program that will help ensure the future of its junior programs for years to come.

For nearly two decades the MGA has worked with scores of underprivileged, at-risk Bay State youngsters as part of its The First Tee of Massachusetts and ForeKids Golf Programs. All money raised through the MGA Junior Golf Fund will go towards providing essential operating support for The First Tee of Massachusetts, ForeKids Golf Program and MGA Links at Mamantapett, the 18-hole, par 3 golf course in Norton that was purchased by the MGA in 2003 to serve as headquarters for its junior programs.

"The game of golf teaches important values including honesty, integrity and sportsmanship that can positively impact the lives of all who play it, especially children," said Richard Osborn, president of the MGA. "The MGA Junior Golf Fund will allow us to continue to teach these important life lessons and more through The First Tee of Massachusetts and ForeKids Golf Programs."

The MGA's junior golf programs enjoyed a humble beginning back in 1992 when it hosted a first-of-its-kind junior golf clinic at Franklin Park Golf Course in Dorchester. The organizers expected only a handful of children to attend, but Tiger Woods was competing in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Wollaston Golf Club that year – and with his participation – hundreds of enthusiastic participants showed up to take part in the MGA's first free clinic. Many of them had never picked up a club before that day. The overwhelming response spurred the MGA to create the ForeKids Golf Program and, more recently, to launch The First Tee of Massachusetts.

"Our programs have really taken off and we are now working with nearly 50 youth agencies in more than 35 cities and towns across the state," said Joe McCabe, executive director of The First Tee of Massachusetts. "We are excited to open our newest The First Tee of Massachusetts chapter on Cape Cod during the summer of 2007."

The MGA currently offers these programs to the children at no charge and provides on-course access at three locations - on the North Shore, South Shore, and in Springfield. The MGA is working on plans to open up three new satellite programs in Worcester, Boston and on Cape Cod.

The MGA is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. All donations received are tax deductible to the fullest extent of Massachusetts law. Interested parties can donate to the MGA Junior Golf Fund online or by calling 774-430-9100.