PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America, in conjunction with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, has awarded teaching grants totaling $45,000 to nine Chapters of The First Tee representing nine states.

To date, 161 of the 206 active Chapters of The First Tee worldwide have been recipients of either a PGA of America or Nicklaus/PGA teaching grant. The combined PGA and Nicklaus/PGA grants total $1,855,000.

Since 2001, The PGA of America and Nicklaus have partnered to create a $2 million endowment to provide teaching grants to certified Chapters of The First Tee that utilize PGA Golf Professionals and apprentices for instruction.

"The PGA of America and Jack Nicklaus are proud to be able to extend Nicklaus/PGA Teaching Grants to new audiences throughout this country," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "There are many success stories being written and The First Tee momentum continues to grow the game of golf and bring many young people into the game."

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

The current Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants totaling $5,000 each have been awarded to The First Tee Chapters in Connecticut, California, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

Since its inception in 1997, there are 206 Chapters of The First Tee in operation and more than 500 golf-learning facilities that have introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students (which include the students of the National School Program). The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.

The PGA Growth of the Game Program is one of a number of initiatives administered by The PGA of America.

For more information about the Teaching Grants, call (561) 624-7612.

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

The First Tee of Fresno - Fresno, Calif.
The First Tee of Greater Charleston - Mount Pleasant, S.C.
The First Tee of Philadelphia at Walnut Lane Golf Course - Philadelphia, Pa.
The First Tee of Yakima - Yakima, Wash.
The First Tee of St. Louis - St. Louis, Mo.
The First Tee of Monmouth and Ocean County - Manasquan, N.J.
The First Tee of Willamette Valley - Eugene, Ore.
The First Tee of Connecticut - Rocky Hill, Conn.
The First Tee of the Golden Triangle - Port Arthur, Texas

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.

The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.