Editors:
For Seneca Golf Course Improvement Project renditions, click here.
For photos of the check presentation, click here.
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (May 15, 2024) - PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh announced today during a 2024 PGA Championship press conference that the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the charitable foundation of the Association, will donate $250,000 to Seneca Golf Course through the PGA Places To Play program.
In its mission to impact lives through the game of golf, the PGA of America REACH Foundation is committed to ensuring golf becomes more accessible. PGA Places To Play creates new opportunities to support facilities and sustain affordable access to the game for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Significantly, the Valhalla Ownership Group (Jimmy Kirchdorfer, David Novak, Junior Bridgeman, Ches Musselman) and Valhalla Golf Club membership will match the donation to aid in the renovations of Seneca Golf Course, ensuring its facilities will meet the needs of the community for years to come.
The donations will be used toward the Seneca Golf Course Improvement Project, which will cost $1.5 million in total for the following:
- Renovation of the par 3 course to optimize playability and access
- The building of a new indoor practice facility, allowing year-round youth programming and education
- Upgrading and modernizing the driving range facilities to accommodate increased use
- The creation of a new putting course to engage all types of golfer
Seneca Golf Course was submitted for consideration by the Kentucky PGA Section and Louisville Parks and Recreation, as the course has been a fixture in Louisville since 1934. Located in central Louisville, the course is a community hub for families, local businesses and golfers of all ages.
“PGA Places To Play is a pillar within the PGA of America REACH Foundation because we consider it our responsibility to help improve and solidify community facilities that invite individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to this great game,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “The City of Louisville has been an avid supporter of the PGA of America over the years and now we are proud to play a small part in ensuring that a historic place such as Seneca Golf Course has the ability to serve the local community for many more generations to come.”
"The Seneca Golf Course par 3 course and driving range are vital community assets, serving as accessible venues for golf enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels in our community," said Kentucky PGA Section Executive Director Sally Morgan, PGA. "We couldn't be more appreciative of the PGA Places To Play program as we aim to enhance the overall golfing experience for residents and visitors alike."
Seneca Golf Course houses PGA of America Programming such as PGA Jr. League; Drive, Chip and Putt; and a newly organized PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program. In addition, Seneca serves the golf community through the First Tee of Louisville and Youth on Course.
“Seneca Golf Course has a storied history in the Louisville community and we are exceptionally proud to join the PGA of America REACH Foundation and match the PGA Places To Play donation,” said Valhalla Golf Club Co-Owner Jimmy Kirchdorfer. “On behalf of Valhalla Golf Club, thank you to the PGA of America for the charitable efforts made in Louisville. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community for years to come.”
PGA Places To Play is supported by a $14 million endowment fund of charitable contributions to the Foundation’s DRIVE IT FURTHER Capital Campaign, annually providing three grants of $250,000 to selected facilities.
Three facility categories are available for consideration:
- PGA of America Spectator Championship legacy Project Model: A facility within the market of a PGA of America spectator championship such as the PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and domestic Ryder Cup
- Community-Based Innovation Model: Innovative facilities and concepts that open doors to underserved communities in the game through elements aligned with PGA of America REACH Foundation’s charitable mission
- Failing 9 or 18+ Hole Public Facility: Facilities that are operated by a local charitable organization or a municipality in danger of being replaced by a “better alternative use.”
About Places To Play
PGA Places To Play creates opportunities to support golf facilities and sustain affordable access to the game for people of all backgrounds and abilities through seed grants from the PGA of America REACH Foundation. Funding for PGA Places To Play comes from donors across America who believe wealth shouldn’t be a barrier to the game of golf. The program creates access through community-based initiatives and PGA of America championship markets while supplementing the local expertise provided by PGA of America Golf Professionals and national programs like PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE and PGA WORKS. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org/access.
About PGA of America REACH Foundation
The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of the Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information on the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter and find us on Facebook.
Media Contact:
Jesse Dodson, PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com