Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Hootie Johnson has announced that Augusta National would continue its practice of making significant contributions to the world of golf and the local community.
This year, over $3.3 million will be distributed. In just over the last five years, Augusta National has made contributions in excess of $15.5 million. The national First Tee initiative will receive $1 million for its program. The First Tee was created for the purpose of providing affordable access to everyone who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play and enjoy the game of golf.
The Costa del Sol benefited from the First Tee initiative when the WGC-American Express Championship was played at Club de Golf, Valderrama, with a donation of $250,000 being made to promote the game in that area of Spain.
“The consistency of support by Augusta National Golf Club is particularly gratifying,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Executive Director of The First Tee and Senior Vice President of the World Golf Foundation. “We appreciate their continuous contributions to the game of golf as well as to our efforts to diversify the game and provide golf, character education, community service and mentoring opportunities for young people who may not otherwise have them.”
The CSRA Community Foundation will receive a gift of $1.25 million. The CSRA Community Foundation is an Augusta-based foundation that evaluates then selects worthwhile Augusta area charities to receive contributions.
“I was personally overwhelmed to learn that Augusta National was making another tremendously generous gift to the Community Foundation,” said R. Lee Smith, Jr., President/CEO, CSRA Community Foundation. “These dollars have positively impacted every variety of this community’s population. Augusta National has, and continues to make our community a better place to live and work.”
Others receiving significant contributions are FORE! Augusta, the LPGA, USGA, PGA Tour, Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the PGA of America. Earlier, Augusta National made a $500,000 donation to the Tiger Woods Foundation and a $100,000 contribution to the September 11th Fund.
“While all our contributions are worthwhile, it is especially gr atifying nationally to help
individuals who traditionally have not been exposed to golf,” Johnson said. “We are also grateful to the Augusta community which supports the Masters Tournament year-round.”
