For Immediate Release
November 18, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe or Mark Pfeiffer (502) 564-2611
Jim Carroll, Dept. Of Parks, (502) 564-8110
Chris Smith, PGA Tour Business, (904) 273-3379

Frankfort, Ky. - Will a future Tiger Woods be developed on a Kentucky State Park golf course? It’s a possibility now with the signing of an agreement today between the State of Kentucky and the World Golf Foundation’s The First Tee program. Governor Paul Patton inked the contract with PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem today in a ceremony on the front lawn of the State Capitol in Frankfort. Kentucky is the first state to sign on with the program.

Under the agreement, eight state-operated golf courses will be built to specifications that call for a youth tee on at least three of the holes at each course, designed to standards that will encourage and assist young people to get involved in the game of golf.

"I know of no other sport that stresses respect and courtesy like golf does. It’s a sport that encourages self-reliance and gets people out-of-doors, but unfortunately it’s often inaccessible or too expensive for many young people to get involved. The First Tee program will change that," Governor Patton said.

The First Tee program is operated by the World Golf Foundation, which includes the PGA TOUR, the LPGA, the PGA of America, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews Scotland, the USGA, Augusta-National and the Masters. Programs will vary from junior golf and after school programs to summer camps.

"By aligning these facilities with the First Tee, Governor Patton is further demonstrating his concern and dedication to the young people of Kentucky, " Finchem said. "We are excited that the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the first of what hopefully will be many statewide First Tee initiatives to be announced. We look forward to the development of these facilities and the positive impact they will have on kids throughout Kentucky."

The foundation will provide expertise in developing the golf course facilities as well as helping the state secure equipment and develop programs.

The Kentucky State Park First Tee facilities will include:

• Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville, new 18-hole course
• Dale Hollow State Resort Park, Bow, new 18-hole course
• Mineral Mound State Park, Eddyville, new 18-hole course
• Yatesville Lake State Park, new 18-hole course
• Grayson State Park, new 18-hole course
• Kincaid State Park, Falmouth, new 9-hole course
• Pennyrile State Resort Park, Dawson Springs, renovation of existing 9-hole course addition of 9 holes
• My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown, renovation of 18-hole course

Governor Patton said, "In years to come we will be seeing many more young people taking up a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives all across Kentucky-from Yatesville Lake and Dale Hollow in the east to Mineral Mound in far western Kentucky. The First Tee will open up our golf courses to young people who otherwise might not have the opportunity to learn the game of golf."

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