The idea of giving back to the game of golf is one that's personal to Brian Golden, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TurfHound Inc. Over his 25 years as a PGA member, Golden taught the game and grew the game. During his time as the first employee of the pioneering company, Softspikes, Inc., Golden helped lead the massive transformation from harmful metal spikes on the bottom of shoes to more agronomically, and player-friendly plastic cleats.
So, when Golden saw an opportunity to once again give back to golf, all the while investing in the future of the game, he began to do so through TurfHound's ongoing support of three First Tee chapters in Virginia and Ohio. A new installment of TurfHound hitting systems is scheduled to take place next month at the First Tee -- Metro Atlanta, located at the John H. White Golf Course. Over the past six years, Golden has promoted the company's preferred pricing program to First Tee, the youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people.
"The fact is that the lives of countless youth continue to be enriched through the mission of First Tee," Golden says. "We feel privileged to play a role in supporting that mission and are thrilled that our dynamic hitting systems are the ones being used to help foster the development of the next generation of golfers and leaders in our society."
At one of the three facilities that comprise First Tee -- Greater Richmond (Virginia), there are 10 stations that feature the exclusive dual-density foam technology built into TurfHound systems. PGA Professional Mark Lynch, Vice President, Operations at First Tee -- Greater Richmond, says the other two Greater Richmond facilities will be expanding their hitting stations for the public and for First Tee programming, with all facilities set to use TurfHound systems later this year.
More than 1,000 youths participate in First Tee activities at the Greater Richmond facilities, and Lynch says these numbers will increase significantly as various partnerships reactivate their external programming.
"The use of TurfHound systems allows us to continue with our programming during inclement weather and closed grass tees from a saturation perspective," Lynch adds. "Through TurfHound systems, our participants and families get to experience the feel of hitting off of real turf and the enjoyment of learning the game of a lifetime. We're greatly appreciative of the support from Brian and TurfHound."
TurfHound Inc. also supports First Tee -- Roanoke Valley (Virginia) and First Tee -- Lake Erie (Ohio). Adam Reny, Executive Director of First Tee -- Lake Erie, anticipates that upwards of 1,500 youth will be positively impacted this year at the facility in Toledo. Previously located adjacent to famed Inverness Club in Toledo, First Tee -- Lake Erie has moved to a new venue that it shares with the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo.
All 18 hitting stations at First Tee -- Lake Erie are highlighted by TurfHound hitting systems, and Reny projects that 130 youths will be on-site each day when the new facility opens for outdoor learning (five days a week) in early April.
TurfHound Inc., with its premium dynamic synthetic golf tee systems, enjoyed its best year ever in 2021. The company's tee systems can be found at more than 900 customers in North America, including 65 of the top-ranked courses in the United States.
For more information, visit TurfHound.com, follow TurfHound on Instagram and Twitter, and call Brian Golden at 877-377-3100.
Brian Golden
Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing
TurfHound Inc.
btgolden13@gmail.com
www.turfhound.com
(Office) 301-637-9152
(Fax) 301-637-9153
(Cell) 301-529-7825