2014 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Directs $2.75 Million to Community Outreach, Youth Golf Development Programs

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- United States Ryder Cup Captain Tom Watson, his three Vice Captains and the 12-member U.S. Team, have made a $2.75 million commitment to the 2014 Ryder Cup Outreach Program, which impacts designated charities and youth golf development programs across the country.

Since 1999 – spanning seven Ryder Cups – the Outreach Program has contributed more than $20 million to over 160 designated charities.

"To serve as both a Captain and player in the Ryder Cup has been one of the thrills of my golfing career," said Tom Watson. "Having a chance to also impact our local communities and grow the game among youth in our country is another important element of the entire Ryder Cup experience that makes it incredibly unique."

All members of the U.S. Team, along with Watson, designated $100,000 to the charity or charities of their choice.

Another $100,000 is directed to deliver continued support to youth golf development programs, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship and PGA Junior League Golf. PGA Junior League Golf is supported by PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America.

The three U.S. Vice Captains – Raymond Floyd, Andy North and Steve Stricker – designated $25,000 to the charity or charities of their choice and another $25,000 to help support youth golf development programs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America – The Outreach Program will continue funding the delivery of fun, developmental golf programming through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This program introduces youth nationwide to the game of golf and provides training equipment and instructional support from PGA Professionals.

Drive, Chip and Putt Championship – The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, supported by The Masters Tournament Foundation, the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is a free, nationwide junior skills competition for boys and girls, ages 7-15.

PGA Junior League Golf – PGA Junior League Golf, an exciting team concept for young players throughout the country, incorporates the "Little League" approach to the game of golf. PGA Junior League Golf provides youth ages 13 and under the opportunity to learn to play golf in a fun, social team environment.

The 40th Ryder Cup will be contested Sept. 26-28, at Gleneagles' PGA Centenary Course in Perthshire, Scotland.

For more information on the PGA of America, click here.

40^th Ryder Cup Outreach Program
Community Outreach & Youth Golf Development Programs

• Each player and Captain Watson will direct $100,000 to the charity or charities of their choice. In addition, they will each direct $100,000 to:
  • PGA Junior League Golf ($38,500)
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America ($38,500)
  • Drive, Chip and Putt Championship ($23,000)
• Each U.S. Vice Captain will direct $25,000 to the charity or charities of their choice. In addition they will each direct $25,000 to:
  • PGA Junior League Golf ($9,625)
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America ($9,625)
  • Drive, Chip and Putt Championship ($5,750)

SOURCE PGA of America