Ryder Cup Junior Academy to host juniors from across the nation at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The Ryder Cup Junior Academy, which was developed in response to recommendations from past United States Ryder Cup Team Captains and was part of the 2010 Ryder Cup Outreach program, is set to begin its first session, and will feature 1995 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Lanny Wadkins, June 6-12, at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

This new initiative, designed to expand the outreach of the Ryder Cup and provide aspiring young players an opportunity to experience an elite player development academy, while targeting those who may not have the resources or means to attend, will also offer the juniors expert instruction from award-winning PGA Professionals. It also puts a strong emphasis on playing and competing in both stroke- and match-play formats.

"The vision of the Academy is to provide up-and-coming juniors a unique chance to attend an elite Ryder Cup training camp is spot on," said Lanny Wadkins. "I look forward to drawing upon my career and experience as a United States Ryder Cup Captain and player to spend quality time with these young golfers participating in the Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy and share what I've learned and teach the skills, commitment and dedication required to bring their game to the next level."

The second Academy session will also be hosted at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance, July11-17, with 1979 Ryder Cup Captain Billy Casper and 1977 Captain Dow Finsterwald scheduled to appear as guest instructors.

"The attendees of the Ryder Cup Junior Academy will experience a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from golf legends, such as Billy Casper, Lanny Wadkins and Dow Finsterwald, as well as top PGA Professionals from across the country," said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. "We are excited to host these junior golfers, as it is a point of pride to share our expertise with the future of the game."

As part of the 2010 United States Ryder Cup Team’s charitable commitment—which has already impacted U.S-based charitable organizations and students at colleges and universities nationwide—the team designated $50,000 each to create and support the Ryder Cup Junior Academy.

Each of the 41 PGA Sections nationwide had the opportunity to nominate one boy and one girl each, with the remainder of the juniors selected through an at-large process. A total of 70 juniors were selected to participate in the inaugural year.

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