Sign Up for Giving Tuesday 2023 Play Days and Support the TGA Foundation

The biggest day of giving is right around the corner.

Now in its 11th year, Giving Tuesday – taking place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – is a worldwide event that unites millions of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses to promote philanthropy and generosity. The movement was created to encourage people to do good during the holiday season by donating to charitable causes. The official date for Giving Tuesday this year is Nov. 28.

The TGA Foundation will celebrate its fourth-annual partnership with the campaign by offering a series of one-day outings where individuals can come together, enjoy a round of golf on a fabulous course, and contribute to meaningful Foundation endeavors that help ensure the game in Texas continues to grow and prosper.

From Nov. 28 to Dec. 5, the TGA Foundation will stage three Giving Tuesday Play Days in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas. The clubs that will be hosting the fundraising events are Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Rockwall, The Clubs of Kingwood’s Island Course in Kingwood, and Old American Golf Club in The Colony. These three outstanding courses are sure to provide a compelling and memorable experience for all involved.

“We are very excited to carry on the tradition of Giving Tuesday Play Days that brings people together not only for a fun day of golf but also for a greater cause,” said Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of TGA Foundation/Outreach. “Through the generosity and support of our donors, the TGA Foundation is able to continue to expand the reach of its life-changing opportunities so that more young people across the state can be positively influenced through the game of golf.”

The Giving Tuesday Play Days on Nov. 28, Nov. 30, and Dec. 5 are open to everyone who has a passion for golf and a desire to see current and future generations benefit from the inherent values and valuable life lessons the game teaches. All three Play Days will include a casual tournament format with prizes awarded in gross and net divisions. Participation in the friendly competition is not required and turning in a scorecard is optional for those who simply want to enjoy a relaxing day on the course.

All proceeds from the Giving Tuesday Play Days will be used to fund the Foundation’s array of junior golf development programs and initiatives both on and off the course, including access to affordable rounds of golf for $5 or less with Youth on Course Texas, paid high school internships through the Bill Penn Program, college scholarships, and much more.

Signing up for a Giving Tuesday Play Day is quick, easy, and can make a huge impact on the TGA Foundation’s mission. Scroll down to learn more about this year’s host venues and for online player registration. If you are unable to join in on the fun on Giving Tuesday but would still like to donate to the TGA Foundation, click here.

Giving Tuesday Play Day – Buffalo Creek Golf Club

Date: Nov. 28

City: Rockwall

Format: Two-Person Best Ball

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Registration Fee: $60 for TGA Members, $80 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the Giving Tuesday Play Day at Buffalo Creek Golf Club, click here. To learn more about Buffalo Creek Golf Club, click here.

Giving Tuesday Play Day – The Clubs of Kingwood (Island Course)

Date: Nov. 30

City: Kingwood

Format: Two-Person Shamble

Starting Time: 9:00 a.m. Shotgun

Registration Fee: $95 for TGA Members, $115 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the Giving Tuesday Play Day at The Clubs of Kingwood, click here. To learn more about The Clubs of Kingwood, click here.

Giving Tuesday Play Day – Old American Golf Club

Date: Dec. 5

City: The Colony

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Format: Two-Person Best Ball

Registration Fee: $140 for TGA Members, $160 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the Giving Tuesday Play Day at Old American Golf Club, click here. To learn more about Old American Golf Club, click here.

Youth On Course is Full Speed Ahead

Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise, especially after the TGA Foundation’s success in 2022 in growing the number of participating Youth on Course (YOC) facilities around the state, but 2023 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for broadening the reach of this life-changing program throughout Texas.

This is the fourth year of the TGA Foundation’s partnership with YOC, a national non-profit grow-the-game initiative that allows kids and teens ages 6-18 to play golf for $5 or less, plus opportunities for paid internships, caddie programs, and college scholarships. The collaboration initially began in January 2020 as a pilot project in the San Antonio area with 11 courses, including all eight that comprise the Alamo City Golf Trail.

As 2023 moves forward, the gained momentum continues apace with a multitude of new YOC facilities introduced in big cities and small towns alike. But that’s just the start of what is expected to be an outpouring of good news about YOC in Texas to arrive this year.

Through the first quarter of 2023, nine facilities have officially joined the YOC community, with another nine in process. When all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, that will bring the total number of participating YOC facilities in Texas to 65.

That’s a 38% increase in just three months since the end of 2022, and a whopping 140% jump in the number of locations from the same period last year. For comparison, there were 27 facilities heading into April 2022, and 47 total by the end of the year.

Not so coincidentally, membership numbers are on the rise too. There are currently 2,210 young people in Texas with YOC memberships, which is on pace for a projected record-high of over 3,500 members once school lets out.

The partnership expands upon the TGA Foundation’s current lineup of junior golf development programming, which now includes the Bill Penn Internship, Junior Girls’ Travel Fund, Bob Romero Scholarship, and the Doris Kallina/’Nez Muhleman Scholarship.

Among the new participating YOC facilities in 2023 are Tenison Park’s Glen Course in Dallas, Deer Run Golf Club in West Tawakoni, Tempest Golf Club in Gladewater, Lake Waco Golf Club’s Executive Course in Waco, Blue Lake Golf Club in Horseshoe Bay, and Olympia Hills Golf Course in San Antonio.

There are also three new facilities in the Greater Houston area. They are Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, Pearland Golf Club in Pearland, and the La Quinta Course at Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre in Missouri City.

While it’s exciting news for junior golfers in and around the Bayou City, the TGA Foundation and YOC are working diligently to add more facilities. The approximately 10,000-square-mile region is the fifth-most populous metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., and that means there are lots and lots of kids that could benefit from access to affordable golf and off-course opportunities. It’s one of the main reasons why the two organizations will be concentrating on expanding the network in that area.

“It’s rewarding to witness the commitment from the Youth on Course partner community,” said Tai Moran, a San Antonio-based Regional Development Officer with Youth on Course. “With each Texas facility added, we confirm our commitment to access and changing the economics of the game. One can only imagine the impact as we focus on Houston and its surrounding areas.”

But the collaborative efforts to help grow the game by encouraging more facilities to open their doors to YOC members won’t be limited to just the Southeast region of the state. As the geographical diversity of the new courses that have been added so far in 2023 indicates, the continued goal will be to expand the footprint to as many areas as possible in the months and years ahead.

“We’re incredibly excited about the recent signings and the momentum we have in the early part of 2023,” Kilgo said. “We’re so appreciative of all our new and current YOC facilities, but there are still so many areas in Texas yet to cover. We will be working hard to make sure that more kids will have access to this far-reaching program and the opportunities it provides both on and off the golf course.”

Partner courses that provide a nurturing atmosphere where YOC members feel welcome to play golf, have fun, learn, and grow, are helping to ensure the long-term future of the game. They are also realizing an immediate benefit as well.

Because partner courses are in full control and decide when YOC members can play the course at the special rate, they’re able to fill their tee sheets with enthusiastic young golfers during normally slow times. In addition to receiving a monthly check for the subsidized rounds, partner courses report that at least 60% of the time, a parent or guardian joined the junior golfer and paid full price for their round. That means additional revenue from green fees, cart fees, pro shop merchandise sales, and food and beverage purchases.

For more information about becoming a YOC partner course, click here.

It’s a proven win-win relationship between YOC members and partner courses that has worked incredibly well since the program’s inception in 2006. There are currently more than 140,000 YOC members that have access to nearly 2,000 courses across the U.S. and Canada, where they can play a round of golf for $5 or less.

Over the years, YOC members have played more than two million subsidized rounds of golf while the organization has helped generate more than $8 million in tee-time revenue reimbursed back to individual golf courses.

With the constant addition of new partner courses and summer just around the corner, and the promise of long days of sunshine ideally suited for being outside playing lots of golf, now is the perfect time for kids and teens to be a part of the growing YOC community.

Turn the page to learn more about YOC membership, including how the program works, benefits and opportunities, plus easy instructions on how to sign up.

TGA Foundation Raffle Winners Announced

First, the TGA Foundation would like to express a big “thank you” to all the thoughtful golfers who entered this year’s raffle contest to help raise money for the Foundation’s mission to provide worthy young boys and girls in Texas with life-changing opportunities through the game of golf. More than 300 tickets were sold throughout the year for a chance to win one of two VIP packages to Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne.

Now on to the big news. The winners of the two prize packages, valued at over $3,000, were selected on Dec. 5, following a random drawing.

The Grand Prize winner was Kevin Falls of Hutto, who bought his ticket last month at the Texas Shamble. Falls won a two-night stay in the George Strait Suite at Tapatio Springs and two rounds of golf for four on the resort’s award-winning course.

The second big winner of the day was David Atnip of Fort Worth, who bought his ticket in May by getting in touch with Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of TGA Foundation/Outreach. Atnip won a two-night stay in a Traditional Suite and two rounds of golf for two.

All proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund the Foundation’s array of junior golf development programs and initiatives both on and off the course, including access to affordable rounds of golf for $5 or less with Youth on Course, paid high school internships through the Bill Penn Program, college scholarships, and much more.

Congratulations to Kevin and David, and thanks again to all who entered!

For more information about the TGA Foundation and how to help give back to the game, click here.

Sign Up for #GivingTuesday Play Days and Support the TGA Foundation

GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea of designating a day of the year that encourages people to do good. Since then, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people each year to donate to nonprofits and charities all over the world.

GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, falling on Nov. 29 for 2022. To celebrate this day of kindness, the TGA Foundation has a trio of events lined up to rally the state’s golf community in support of the Foundation’s mission to provide worthy young boys and girls in Texas with life-changing opportunities through the game of golf.

On Nov. 29, the TGA Foundation will be staging three #GivingTuesday presented by Dream Golf Play Days at Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Rockwall, April Sound Country Club in Montgomery, and Brackenridge Park Golf Course in San Antonio. These three unique courses are sure to provide a delightful combination of variety, challenge, and pure joy for everyone who steps onto the tee.

The #GivingTuesday Play Days on Nov. 29 are open to everyone who has a passion for golf and are inspired to help current and future generations benefit from the positive impacts and inherent values the game provides. The format for all three events is a two-person scramble with prizes awarded in gross and net divisions. Participation in the good-natured competition is not required and turning in a scorecard is optional for those who simply want to enjoy a relaxing day on the course.

All proceeds from the #GivingTuesday Play Days will be used to fund the Foundation’s array of junior golf development programs and initiatives both on and off the course, including access to affordable rounds of golf for $5 or less with Youth on Course, paid high school internships through the Bill Penn Program, college scholarships, and much more.

Signing up for a #GivingTuesday Play Day is quick, easy, and can make a huge impact on the TGA Foundation’s mission. Scroll down to learn more about the host venues and for online player registration. If you are unable to join in on the fun on GivingTuesday but would still like to donate to the TGA Foundation, click here.

#GivingTuesday Play Day – Buffalo Creek Golf Club

Date: Nov. 29

City: Rockwall

Format: Two-Person Scramble

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Registration Fee: $60 for TGA Members, $70 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the #GivingTuesday Play Day at Buffalo Creek Golf Club, click here. To learn more about Buffalo Creek Golf Club, click here.

#GivingTuesday Play Day – April Sound Country Club

Date: Nov. 29

City: Montgomery

Format: Two-Person Scramble

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Other: Breakfast included

Registration Fee: $70 for TGA Members, $80 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the #GivingTuesday Play Day at April Sound Country Club, click here. To learn more about April Sound Country Club, click here.

#GivingTuesday Play Day – Brackenridge Park Golf Course

Date: Nov. 29

City: San Antonio

Starting Time: Tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Format: Two-Person Scramble

Registration Fee: $65 for TGA Members, $75 for Non-Members

Online Registration: To register online for the #GivingTuesday Play Day at Brackenridge Park Golf Course, click here. To learn more about Brackenridge Park Golf Course, click here.

Fresh Look Coming for Corpus Christi Country Club

By Adam Rohrbough, TGA

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In Memoriam: John T. Stuart III (1936-2022)

STUART III, John Thomas died peacefully at home on May 27, 2022.  A lifelong resident of Dallas, he was born August 12, 1936 to Dorothy Guthrie Stuart and John Thomas Stuart, Jr.  He attended Highland Park High School and the University of Texas, graduating in 1958.  Subsequently, he graduated from SMU’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and the Harvard Advanced Management Program.

At Highland Park, John was a cheerleader and Blanket Award recipient.  At the University of Texas, John was a member of Delta Tau Delta, The Texas Cowboys, Editor of The Cactus and a Distinguished Military Student.  He was a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Beta Gama Sigma.  Following graduation, he was in the US Army stationed at Ft Hood Texas. He then joined Republic Bank in Dallas, rising to be President and holding the same title in the successor First Republic Bank of Dallas.  He moved on to be President and CEO of Alpert Investment Company.  He then joined Guaranty Bank, the Temple Inland subsidiary, retiring as Vice Chairman.  He served on the Board and returned as Chairman and CEO for a brief time.   He became Vice Chairman of Belmont Interests, a private wealth management company until he retired.

As an alumnus of the University of Texas, he served as President of the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Exes, President of the Texas Exes at Austin, Chairman of the Texas Red McCombs School of Business Advisory Council, the Longhorn Foundation and the UT System Chancellor’s Council.  He was also President of the University of Texas Foundation.  He served on the Centennial Commission of 100 and the Commission of 125.  The University honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Business School Distinguished Alumnus Award and Hall of Fame Award.  Friends established the John T. Stuart III Centennial Chair in Business Administration. He along with his wife Barbara was named ”Top Hands” by the Texas Exes as well as the Dallas Distinguished Alumni. He was a Life Member of the Development Board at the University of Texas, Austin and Dallas.  He was a member of the Littlefield Society.

He served for six years as a member of the University of Texas Athletic Council and was named an honorary letterman.  He was appointed by the UT Athletic director to the Board of the Cotton Bowl Athletics Association.  He served as President and Chairman in 1992, serving two years and was a Life Director.  As a long-time member of the Team Selection Committee, John traveled to a number of colleges developing lifelong friendships around the country.  He and Barbara enjoyed their travels to UT football games both in Austin and away from coast to coast including three trips to the Rose Bowl, two of which were National Championship games.

He served on a number of civic boards in Dallas but in most recent years he gave his time to Callier Center of Dallas becoming President of the Board.  He also found great enjoyment from his volunteering time with the Boys Scouts of America.  He was President of the Circle 10 Council, President of the Circle 10 Foundation, an area and regional Vice President.  He served as Jamboree Sub Camp 16 Chief in 2010. He received the Distinguished Eagle Award, The Silver Beaver Award, the Silver Antelope Award as well as the Whitney Young Service Award.  He was a Vigil Honor and Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed his trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for training programs on behalf of Scouting including Wood Badge.

Having lived most of his life in University Park, he felt it a privilege to have served as President of the University Library and a number of years on the University Park Finance Advisory Committee which he was Chairman until his recent resignation.

John enjoyed his service to amateur golf in Texas serving on the Texas Golf Association Foundation and a volunteer at area tournaments for the Association.

He served on a number of other boards including The Executive Board of North Texas Public Broadcasting, Chairman of the YWCA, Board of the Florence Foundation, Board of the Summer Musicals and the African-American Museum Board of Trustees.  He was a lifetime member of the Salesmanship Club.

John really enjoyed trout fishing in both the lower 48 and Alaska.  He was fond of his greenhouse and enjoyed discovering new plants for landscaping in Texas.  Both areas he could immerse himself and find pleasure and beauty.

He was a past President of Royal Oaks Country Club, member of Dallas Country Club and Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wonderful and loving wife of almost 66 years, Barbara Kay White Stuart, his son John Michael Stuart, his daughter and son in law, Melissa and George Pettit Macatee IV, grandchildren, George Pettit Macatee, V, wife Kailee, McBride Macatee Oden, husband Madison and John Stuart Macatee and John Michael Stuart II.  John has two Great grandsons; Madison Lee Oden III “Tres” and George Pettit Macatee, VI.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

TGA-YOC Virtual Open House: Learn How Facilities Can Join Youth on Course Network

Nearly 2,000 golf courses across the U.S. and Canada are part of the Youth on Course network, o­ffering rounds of golf to our 130,000 members for $5 or less.

Grow the game and your future customer base – nearly half of YOC members’ rounds are played with a paying adult, generating further business for your course (including increasing your food, beverage and merchandise sales).

The program is simple to implement and complements other junior golf programs, giving participants more opportunities to apply their skills to the course.

HOW IT WORKS

• AVAILABILITY: You decide when YOC members can play at the reduced rate. Members always play for $5 or less, and YOC subsidizes each round played.
• PROMOTION: We’ll provide marketing materials highlighting your course’s YOC membership rates.
• LOGISTICS: Your staff­ checks in YOC members via our online system to track rounds and subsidies.
• PAYMENT: You’ll receive monthly reimbursement checks from YOC for each round played.

Join us for a virtual open house to learn how to bring Youth on Course to your facility.

CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER:

• April 18, 2022
• April 19, 2022
• April 20, 2022

The Spirit Golf Association Announces Appointment of Charlie Epps, PGA, as Interim President

HOUSTON, Texas (August 20, 2020) – The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) announced today that long-time PGA Professional Charlie Epps will serve as interim president. Epps has served on the SGA Board of Directors since January 2020.

The Spirit Golf Association, a 501 (c) (3) charity dedicated to the promotion of amateur golf for the benefit of health-related causes, was formed in 1999 by Houston philanthropist Corby J. Robertson, Jr. Corby established the SGA and Whispering Pines Golf Club, rated by Golf Digest as the #1 course in Texas, as a mission for philanthropically minded people to support charitable causes, enjoy membership privileges at a world-class golf property and to conduct The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship.

“We are so fortunate to have Charlie step into this role after being an invaluable member of our Board of Directors and take the reins as we continue our charitable missions and promoting the international goodwill of amateur golf,” said Robertson. “Right now we’re focusing heavily on our recently created Spirit Food Fund, and Charlie has been instrumental in helping us raise more than $1.35 million for the food insecure. He brings years of unmatched experience and expertise in the golf industry and will continue to be a great asset to our organization.”

As interim president, Epps will be responsible for executing the mission and vision of the SGA, in addition to recruiting members to Whispering Pines and sponsors for SGA events while achieving the financial and managerial objectives of the association.

“I’ve been involved in a volunteer capacity with the Spirit Golf Association since the beginning,” said Epps. “I share Corby’s passion for golf in addition to giving back through the game. I look forward to continuing to grow our organization and coordinating events that have a positive impact on our Texas communities.”

Epps, a member of the teaching staff at Golf Club of Houston, has always been committed to giving back to the game of golf, especially in the development of young players. He spent 15 years as the Head Professional at Houston Country Club and six years Pine Forest Country Club.

In his service to the PGA of America and the game, he has held positions of prominence on local, state and national leadership boards and committees gaining him recognition as the recipient of numerous PGA and Southern Texas PGA awards and honors. He was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2012 for his work as a club professional and golf instructor.

He and his friend, the late Dick Harmon, partnered to provide opportunities for young players to develop their game. He founded the Yellowstone Academy Foundation Golf Tournament to raise funds to help Houston’s inner-city kids gain access to golf. He also helps organize the Dick Harmon Memorial Invitational along with numerous other charity events.

On the PGA Tour, Epps coached two-time Major Championship winner Angel Cabrera and five-time Tour winner Blaine McCallister. Epps is currently featured weekly on the Charlie Epps Golf Hour which airs nationally on the SportsMap Nation Radio Network Saturdays 8-9 a.m. CT (97.5 FM in Houston).

Whispering Pines Golf Club is currently undergoing construction and is on track to reopen in fall 2020. Just 80 miles north of Houston along the shores of Lake Livingston sits Whispering Pines Golf Club, one of the best private golf clubs in the country. The club was founded not only to offer its discerning members a superior golf experience on an exceptional course, but it also was created to promote amateur golf and to benefit charitable causes on a local, national and international level. Whispering Pines is ranked #1 in Texas and was recently ranked #21 in the top 200 modern courses in the country by Golfweek.

TGA Foundation Finding New Ways to Grow the Game

The Texas Golf Association Foundation strives to grow the game through new initiatives every year. In 2020, the TGA Foundation launched Youth on Course in the San Antonio area. The program gives juniors access to play golf for $5 or less at eight courses in San Antonio.

“We love this program because it gives junior golfers a chance to take their skills from The First Tee, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and more junior programs to the course and continue to learn the game,” TGA Foundation Managing Director Kelly Kilgo said. “Youth on Course helps to make golf a big part of their lives because now they can go play fantastic courses for no more than a $5 green fee.”

The eight courses in San Antonio participating in this year’s Youth of Course program are Mission Del Lago, Riverside, Willow Springs, Brackenridge Park, Olmos Basin, Northern Hills Golf Club, Cedar Creek and San Pedro Driving Range.

Founded in 2006 by the Northern California Golf Association, Youth on Course began as way to increase the accessibility and affordability of golf for the area’s youth. Within five years, the program was thriving and expanded as a nationwide initiative. Today, the 501(c)3 organization partners with state and regional golf associations across the country. Youth on Course is currently offered in 34 regions and has subsidized more than 900,000 rounds of golf.

“Investing in the future and health of the game is exactly what the TGA is built for and Youth on Course allows us to accomplish this with juniors, families and golf facilities,” TGA Executive Director Stacy Dennis said. “Youth on Course provides juniors with an opportunity to take the next step from skill development programs to access on a golf course. It creates relationships between juniors, their parents and local golf facilities. This program creates a pipeline of juniors that can continue to build confidence on the golf course and become lifelong players.”

Youth on Course memberships are $20 a year. The membership gives access to the eight courses in San Antonio as well as internships, caddie program and scholarships. The program is designed for youth ages 6-18 and there are zero restrictions on when to join.

To learn more about Youth on Course, click here.

The TGA Foundation started its own initiative in 2016. The TGA Works Program gives high schoolers who are interested in working in the golf industry opportunities to intern at various Member Clubs across the state. TGA Works is a paid summer internship and offers invaluable lessons on and off the golf course.

“Throughout the TGA Works internship, I learned the ins and outs of the golf business,” said Cade Cook, who worked at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton last summer. “The internship opened my mind to so many new things and persuaded me toward a career in the golf business even more.”

The program strives to introduce motivated youth to respected careers in the golf industry. It helps clubs invest in their local communities and grow the game. Member Clubs, who offer internships, will receive up to $3,000 in grant funding to offset intern wages.

Along with Indian Creek Golf Club, Quail Valley Golf Course in Missouri City and Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth had TGA Works interns last summer. Responsibilities ranged from tournament operations, golf course agronomy, merchandise management, outside services and golf instruction.

To apply for a TGA Works internship,  click here. Application deadline is May 15.

ABOUT THE TGA FOUNDATION: The charitable arm of the TGA, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that was established to make certain that golf in Texas continues to grow and prosper. It achieves this mission through the financial and administrative support of existing grass-roots junior golf development programs, and in creating new avenues for deserving and underserved youth to learn some of life’s most important lessons through their exposure to the game of golf.  By ensuring that deserving young people from every walk-of-life have the opportunity to be exposed to this great game and the accompanying valuable life lessons to be learned, as well as discovering the many possible career opportunities surrounding the sport, the TGA Foundation expects that golf in the Lone Star State will be in good hands for generations to come. To learn more about the TGA Foundation, click here.

TGA Partners With Spirit Golf Association to Launch Spirit Food Fund

DALLAS – The Texas Golf Association (TGA) is pleased to announce it has recently partnered with The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) in its Spirit Food Fund campaign to support the Houston Food Bank (HFB) as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Houston community, there is currently a 130%-150% increase in demand over the 1.1 million food insecure people who are relying on the HFB and its partner network for food assistance. The Houston Food Bank is responding by increasing food distribution by 150% of usual operations, distributing on average 1 million pounds of food a day. This unprecedented need means millions of dollars in additional funding are required to keep Houstonians healthy and fed.

SGA is launching the Spirit Food Fund campaign with a lead gift of $500,000 raised from SGA founder Corby Robertson, Jr., and his family, as well as The Cullen Foundation and the Cullen Trust for Higher Education. Prominent supporters of the campaign include local sports celebrities Jim Nantz, Stacy Lewis and Clyde Drexler along with the TGA. Watch Video

“We’re grateful to be able to partner with the great people at the Houston Food Bank to support fellow Texans in need,” said Robertson. “It is our responsibility to be there for our neighbors and communities.”

The SGA is not only mobilizing the golf community, but the greater Houston community as well, with plans to expand its mission throughout the state of Texas and beyond in support of those who are most vulnerable at this critical time. A $10 donation will provide 30 meals to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

“The significant support from The Spirit Golf Association will add critically needed funds to allow us to work to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for food assistance created by COVID-19,” says Brian Greene, president/CEO of Houston Food Bank. “With our distribution up 150% over pre-COVID figures and demand continuing to grow, our need for funding and volunteers increases daily. With tens of thousands of people out of work – for many this is the first time they need assistance – and kids who get meals at school now at home, the generous support from donors like The Spirit Golf Association will make a significant impact upon what we can do for our many neighbors in need.”

To make a financial contribution to the Spirit Food Fund or to sign up and volunteer with the Houston Food Bank, please visit houstonfoodbank.org/spiritfoodfund or text SpiritFoodFund to 41444 with your donation. Funds will be used for food recovery, sorting and distribution, as well as the creation of Emergency Food Boxes for families.

WHAT: The Spirit Food Fund to benefit the Houston Food Bank

WHEN: Beginning Thursday, May 14, 2020

WHERE: Houston and Surrounding Communities

HOW:

Donate or signup to volunteer at the Houston Food Bank: houstonfoodbank.org/spiritfoodfund. Other ways to donate:

• Text SpiritFoodFund to 41444
• Mail Check (Include “Spirit Food Fund” in memo line), payable to Houston Food Fund to Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall, Houston, TX 77029
• Contact Donor Services at 713-547-8623

WHO: 

• The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) led by Corby and Barbara Robertson along with local sports celebrities
• Cullen Foundation
• The Cullen Trust for Higher Education
• Texas Golf Association

About The Spirit Golf Association | The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) is a 501 (c) (3) charity dedicated to the promotion of amateur golf for the benefit of supporting basic human needs for providing food, education and health programs and services. The SGA is the host organization of the premier amateur golf championship, The Spirit International, and home to Whispering Pines Golf Club, ranked by Golfweek as the #1 course in Texas and #24 on its top 100 modern courses list. The SGA has contributed more than $13 million to its charitable activities: The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship and healthcare service providers such as Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics, Medical Bridges and The Immunization Partnership. In 2017, The Spirit Golf Association responded to the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by directing funds to Harvey victims through the United Way, Houston Food Bank, KIPP, Yellowstone Academy and the Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics.

For more information about The Spirit Golf Association, please visit spiritgolfassociation.org.

About Houston Food Bank | Houston Food Bank’s mission is to provide food for better lives. Last year we provided access to 104 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our 1,500 community partners which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers and schools. We have a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In addition to distributing food, we provide services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability, including nutrition education, job training, health management and help with securing state-funded assistance. We are a resource for individuals and families in times of hardship. We are a solution to food waste, working with grocery stores and growers to rescue food before it reaches landfills. In collaboration with our community, we advocate for policy change and promote dialogue on ways to increase access to food and to improve the lives of those we serve. Houston Food Bank works alongside our partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston Country, and Brazos Valley. Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.