February 29, 2024 — Upper Deck Golf is pleased to announce its support for First Tee Minnesota with a donation of over 400 golf clubs and 2,000 golf balls.
First Tee Minnesota is a youth focused organization that teaches life skills, self-confidence, and resilience to children and teens through the game of golf. The organization’s mission is to give every child in the State of Minnesota the opportunity to participate in programs which perpetuate core values including honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. The organization is part of the national PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation.
Upper Deck Golf Managing Partners Marc Bender and Adam Wachter said, “Golf represents an opportunity to change kids’ lives and in 2024 we have more initiatives than ever that will contribute to support junior golf. First Tee Minnesota is a terrific organization that offers great educational programs through the game of golf. The values they instill are the keys to success in life and are all important to our business as well. We are delighted that golf is being introduced to so many kids in Minnesota, so that they may develop a love for the game.”
First Tee Minnesota is making a big impact among youth in the state. In 2022, the organization had 5,420 golf course program enrollments; 50 First Tee certified coaches; 44 First Tee School Program Locations; 25 First Tee Community Program Partners; and a total of more than 6,500 youth served. Numbers have not been released for 2023 yet, but they are expected to be even more than in 2022.
“Thank you to Upper Deck Golf for your generous donation of equipment and balls. Our mission of teaching life skills through the game of golf to all kids involves providing facilities and equipment to any kid that wants to learn. Your donation of equipment will help us provide those opportunities for any kid that wants to learn,” said First Tee Minnesota Program Director Franco Zerna.
About Upper Deck Golf: Upper Deck Golf offers the opportunity to play a round of golf inside iconic stadiums like Wrigley Field in Chicago, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, among many others. Participants can enjoy a special experience while hitting tee shots from the stands throughout the stadium, down to the custom greens on the field below. The fun starts and concludes at the clubhouse festival inside the stadium with great music, cold beers, food, and multiple golfing challenges. In 2024, Upper Deck expects to have up to 25 events nationwide, located at some of the largest sports venues across the MLB, NFL, and at college stadiums. The next Upper Deck Golf event will be held March 8-9 in Nashville at Nissan Stadium home of the Tennessee Titans, and with April events at Levi’s Stadium home of the San Francisco 49ers and at The Ohio State University. Upper Deck Golf offers corporate packages, as well as local, regional, and national sponsorships available for those enterprises looking to get their brand out in front of a new audience of golfers. To learn more about Upper Deck Golf and find an event near you, visit www.upperdeckgolfing.com.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”): First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2024, First Tee celebrates its 27th anniversary and reaching millions of kids and teens through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
Contact: Marc Bender, managing partner, Upper Deck Golf, bender@upperdeckgolfing.com