"Ladies on the Links" Tourney to Benefit The First Tee of Greater Seattle

Thursday, April 21, 2005

SEATTLE, Wash. (April 21, 2005) – “Because She’s Worth It” sums up the theme for the 3rd annual Ladies on the Links Tournament, as well as the sponsor’s determination to get more girls involved in golf.

Now in its third year, the Ladies on the Links Tournament raises funds for The First Tee of Greater Seattle, with proceeds earmarked for girls in the program. The 9-hole scramble format tournament is set for Monday, June 6 at The Golf Club at Newcastle, with a shotgun start scheduled for 9 a.m. A luncheon – which non-golfers are invited to attend -- and auction will begin around noon.

Honorary co-chairs are Mona Lee Locke and Libby Gates Armintrout, with Deborah Juarez serving as event chair. The $275 fee includes a continental breakfast, golf, power cart and luncheon. Players will also receive a special surprise gift on each hole, compliments of event sponsors and underwriters.

Juarez said studies show when girls are involved in extra-curricular activities like The First Tee they have higher self-esteem, are less likely to get involved with drugs and are less likely to have an early pregnancy. She also cites research indicating program participants have higher grades and are more likely to go to college. Girls account for 36 percent of First Tee participants, versus only 25 percent of today’s golfing population.

The First Tee of Greater Seattle, chartered in 2003, offers programs for kids ages 8 to 18 at three golf courses. New this year is Crossroads Golf Course in Bellevue. The affordably priced programs ($30 for the 8-week sessions) are also offered at Jackson Park and Jefferson Park golf courses in Seattle. Registration will be held on four Saturdays during May and June, with classes starting the week of June 20. Details are online at www.TheFirstTeeSeattle.org.

The First Tee of Greater Seattle is a not for profit organization dedicated to creating affordable and accessible access to golf for youngsters, particularly those who otherwise would not be exposed to the game. It was formed in 2001 from a collaborative effort involving the Broadmoor Golf Club Foundation, the national First Tee organization (www.thefirsttee.org) and the board of Municipal Golf of Seattle.

The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has opened around 250 golf learning facilities and introduced the game of golf to nearly 500,000 participants; locally, the number exceeds 8,600 kids. 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. Nine core values are at the heart of the curriculum

Juarez credits the generosity of volunteers, mentors and donors with keeping the program affordable to kids of all backgrounds. Scholarships are also available. To register for the Ladies on the Link Tournament, to donate or to volunteer, call The First Tee of Greater Seattle, 206-265-3040 or visit www.TheFirstTeeSeattle.org
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