$50,000 Grant Awarded for Youth Golf in East San Jose; Press Conference - Wednesday March 7 - 11 a.m.

News Editors and Sports Writers 

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 2001

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded a $50,000 grant to the San Jose Sports Authority to help launch the "San Jose Youth Golf Program" at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, a public nine-hole course located in East San Jose.

On Wednesday, March 7, at 11 a.m., a formal check presentation will be made at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course by USGA representative and past president Grant Spaeth.

The mission of the San Jose Youth Golf Program is to introduce the game of golf to young people who might not otherwise have access to the sport. Using golf as a link, the program will also focus on the development of "life skills," such as integrity, responsibility, self-confidence and patience.

The San Jose Youth Golf Program is an eight-week course for boys and girls ages 11-14. The students will meet twice weekly for two hours. Taught by PGA and LPGA-accredited golf professionals, the program will teach all aspects of the game, including irons, woods, putting, chipping and pitching, golf etiquette and course management.

Upon completion of the program, students will have earned "Continued Access Priveleges" at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, where they will be allowed to hit free buckets of balls and play a round of golf for $1.

The Spring Session of the San Jose Youth Golf Program will begin in late March and will be the first of three sessions offered in 2001. Students from neighboring schools and community centers are currently being invited to participate in the Spring Session. It is expected that 25-30 kids will enroll. The summer and fall sessions will be expanded to serve more young people from the community.

The USGA grant will cover the cost of equipment, transportation, and staffing for the first year of the program. In future years, the San Jose Sports Authority aims to secure enough community support and funding to expand the program to other golf courses in San Jose.

"We are pleased to be involved with the San Jose Sports Authority," said USGA Trey Holland. "They have done a great job doing outreach in the community, and we know that this program is going to be a success."

Victor Arranaga, a member of the San Jose Sports Authority Board of Directors, added, "The young people of San Jose are going to benefit greatly from this program. To not only receive free access to a course - but also to be taught by professionals - it really is a special opportunity. We are very happy to have been awarded the USGA grant."

The grant is part of the USGA's "For the Good of the Game" initiative, a 10-year, $50 million commitment to programs and projects that make golf more affordable and accessible to those who face economic or physical challenges.

The San Jose Sports Authority is a non-profit organization that serves as the sports marketing arm for the City of San Jose. In addition to bringing major sporting events to the city, the Sports Authority actively supports youth and amateur athletics throughout the community.

To learn more about the San Jose Youth Golf Program, the public is asked to call Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course at [phone].

Members of the media interested in attending the March 7 press conference are asked to call Sheryl Spain, Director of Public Relations for the San Jose Sports Authority, at [phone].

For more information on the USGA Foundation Grants program, visit their website at www.usga.org or contact the USGA Foundation Office in Colorado Springs at [phone].

Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is located at 1649 Hermocilla Road, off of King Road, just north of Hwy 280/680.