From West Coast to Gulf Coast—Pebble Beach Tournament Executive Will Lead Fore!Kids Foundation in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Steve Worthy, president of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and tournament director of the celebrity-studded AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, has been named chief executive officer of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans PGA TOUR event.

"We could not be more thrilled to attract a dynamic, proven golf executive like Steve to our foundation and our tournament," said Frank "Buddy" Seeling, past chairman of the Fore!Kids Foundation and head of the search committee. "Steve has directed one of the highest profile regular season tournaments on the PGA TOUR that raised more than $8 million for charities in 2011. Our ability to draw him to New Orleans is a clear validation of the combined strength of a preeminent, committed title sponsor in Zurich Financial Services, supported by a dedicated local board and membership of the Fore!Kids Foundation," he added.

"It was a tough decision to leave a great organization like the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and their two tournaments, but the opportunity to come back to my hometown and work with Zurich Financial Services and the Fore!Kids Foundation was just too exciting to pass up," said Worthy. "I believe there is tremendous potential here and nothing would make me happier than to be able to make a positive contribution to the city of New Orleans and this Foundation," he added.

"Zurich enthusiastically congratulates and looks forward to working with new Fore!Kids CEO Steve Worthy," said Mike Foley, CEO of Zurich North America Commercial and Regional Chairman of the Americas for Zurich Financial Services Group. "Zurich has enjoyed its multi-year partnership with Fore!Kids, its leadership team and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. We envision a bright future as we continue to work with Fore!Kids to help raise funds for children's charities in Greater New Orleans."

Worthy was born in New Orleans, grew up in Jackson, LA and graduated from LSU.

He joined the Monterey Peninsula Foundation in 2006. Before that, he worked for the United States Golf Association for 14 years as director of U.S. Open Championship operations, where he was responsible for the planning and execution for one of  golf's major championships.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation operates two tournaments each year: the AT&T Pebble Beach, known for its pairings of celebrities and PGA TOUR golfers for the entire week of play, and the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach on the Champions Tour.

The Foundation raised more than $8 million for charity at this year's AT&T Pebble Beach  National Pro-Am. Since singer Bing Crosby and his friends formed the organization in 1937, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation has raised $93 million for non-profit organizations in Monterey County and surrounding communities.

After graduating from LSU in 1985, Worthy earned a masters degree in sports administration from Ohio University. He started in professional golf as director of media and public relations for the 1987 Ryder Cup Matches at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Following the Ryder Cup, he stayed at Muirfield and became director of operations for the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance, the PGA TOUR event founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

About Fore!Kids Foundation:

Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children's service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Golf Ball Gala, a juniors' summer junior tour, and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise nearly $21 million to date, providing healthcare, education and hope for more than 200,000 kids each year. More information is at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:

Televised in more than 200 countries, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact to the New Orleans metro area and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $30 million within the local economy and garners $17 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state. The 2012 tournament is scheduled April 23-29. More information is at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

SOURCE Fore!Kids Foundation