The Connecticut State Golf Association
The Connecticut State Golf Association (CSGA) functions as an extension of the USGA and provides stewardship for amateur golf in Connecticut. Founded in 1899, it is the country’s oldest state golf association and is based in Rocky Hill. Each year the CSGA conducts approximately 50 competitive events including the Connecticut Open, Connecticut Amateur and Connecticut Junior Ameteur. The CSGA has 170 member clubs, 78 of which are private. Among its many services to CSGA club members is providing computerized handicapping to approximately 50,000 golfers through the USGA’s GHIN system including free handicap services to junior golfers through the eclub program. The First Tee of Connecticut is a designated charity of the CSGA. For more information on the CSGA, call (860) 257-4171 or visit www.csgalinks.org.
Travelers Championship
The Travelers Championship is proud to be Connecticut’s PGA TOUR event that donates 100% of its net proceeds to nonprofits throughout New England. An integral part of the community for more than 60 years, the Travelers Championship has generated in excess of $33 million for charities. Since Travelers became title sponsor in 2007, the tournament has generated more than $10 million for over 500 charities and in 2015 generated a record $1.565 million. The 2016 Travelers Championship will once again welcome a star-studded field that includes defending champion Bubba Watson. The Travelers Championship partners with The First Tee of Connecticut through Birdies for Charity, Walmart Charity Classic for The First Tee of Connecticut presented by Stanley Black & Decker and various fundraising events. The 2016 Travelers Championship will be held from June 19 – 25 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.
Connecticut Section PGA
The First Tee of Connecticut primarily employs Connecticut Section PGA instructors for its programs. The Connecticut Section PGA is one of 41 Sections that together comprise the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America). These professionals are employed at over 170 PGA Recognized Golf Facilities throughout the region with the exception of Life Members, who are retired. The Assistants’ Association is a subsidiary organization of the CT Section PGA. Its mission is to create an environment, through education and training, which shall improve the skill level and effectiveness of the section assistant professionals in their career pursuits of obtaining head golf professional positions. The Connecticut Section PGA Foundation has been consistent and generous in their support of TFTCT programming since 2001. Including a grant award in 2016 of $7,500 to support Spring, Summer and Fall Group Lessons in Hartford, the Section Foundation has contributed more than $72,000!! The First Tee of Connecticut is grateful and humbled by the Foundation’s belief in our mission. For more information about the CTPGA, call (860) 430-2302 or visit www.ctpga.com.