Dicks Sporting Goods Foundation awards $500,000 Sports Matter grant to PGA Junior League Golf

ORLANDO (JANUARY 25, 2017) The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and the PGA of America announced today a partnership to bring the game of golf to thousands of underprivileged youth across the country through scholarships to PGA Junior League Golf.

Over the next three years, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation will commit $500,000 through a Sports Matter grant to the PGA of America to provide thousands of underprivileged kids at Boys & Girls Clubs, The First Tee and other communities across the country the opportunity to learn to play golf. Additionally, participants will receive the benefits of coaching from PGA Professionals and the life lessons the game of golf can provide in a team-based environment.

“The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter grant, combined with additional scholarship funds from the PGA of America, will be used to help offset participation fees for youth golf, introducing thousands of children to the game who may not otherwise have been able to play,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO for the PGA of America.

Since 2014, DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation have pledged over $50 million to support teams and raise awareness of the importance of youth sports across the country through its Sports Matter initiative.

“At DICK’S, we believe that sports make people better, and we feel that all kids should have the chance to play regardless of economic status” said Edward W. Stack, DICK’S Sporting Goods Chairman and CEO. “The game of golf teaches valuable life lessons like humility, respect, focus and patience. It is our hope to positively impact the lives of the kids who participate in this program.”

For more information on Sports Matter, visit SportsMatter.org. For additional details on the PGA Junior League Golf, visit PGAJLG.com.