Plans Announced for First Tee of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky

Former LPGA commissioner and longtime Cincinnati resident Charlie Mechem joined Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., executive director of The First Tee, and PGA Tour player Steve Flesch in announcing plans for a long-term partnership with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission to enable use of their golf facilities.

"On behalf of The First Tee, I am very pleased to welcome the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Chapter into The First Tee network," said Barrow. "The First Tee exposes our children to a host of positive values that will help them both on and off the golf course. Confidence, honesty, integrity, and perseverance are values that will assist these young people throughout their lives."

The First Tee of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky successfully conducted a pilot program during the summer of 2005 in partnership with Avondale-based Wesley Education Center. Through a multi-year use agreement with the city, the new organization looks forward to more than doubling the number of youth served over each of the next three years. Initially, youth participants will primarily learn the golf portion of the curriculum at the Reeves and Avon Field golf courses, but expansion into northern Kentucky and the surrounding Ohio counties is planned as well.

"This arrangement is a perfect example of how The First Tee is positively impacting communities across America," said Mechem, who served as the LPGA commissioner from 1990-96 and is an avid supporter of The First Tee. "The incremental utilization of facilities creates a positive environment for area youngsters to learn the game of golf and its life-enhancing values."

Mechem and Barrow spoke about The First Tee's impact on young people, and Georgetown College President Dr. William Crouch spoke about scholarship opportunities, an integral part of the program for youth. Through the combined efforts of community foundations, individual supporters, volunteers, city support and corporate sponsors, the developing chapter will reach over 250 young people in 2006.

"Our efforts began early in 2005 with a core of volunteers who were dedicated to the dream of bringing The First Tee to this area on rapid timing," said Lamar Johnson, co-founder and president of the local board of trustees. "Our volunteers have worked very hard this year to see the dream become a reality and are committed to supporting this initiative for years to come."

"Our commitment to charity, including The First Tee, is one of our greatest strengths, and the one that sets us apart from other sports," said Flesch, a Cincinnati native who resides in Union, Ky. "We like to say that: 'Giving back is at the heart of the PGA Tour."

Tom Briner will serve as the executive director of The First Tee of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. For additional information, contact Briner at 513/600-5020 or email: tbriner42@yahoo.com.