FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         CONTACT: Estella Espinosa
October 25, 2005                                       713.845.1135 

The First Tee of Houston Celebrates
5 years at FM Law Park

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the Fifth Anniversary Celebration of The First Tee of Houston at FM Law Park.  Celebration activities will take place at F.M. Law Park, 8400 Mykawa, on Saturday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m.

The First Tee of Houston at F. M. Law Park is a Junior Golf Program for youth ages 5 to 18.  Its mission is to impact the lives of young people in the Greater Houston Area by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities primarily to serve those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values. 

Since it opened 5 years ago, over six thousand young people have participated in the program.  “The First Tee is more than just the game of golf,” said Tai Moran, Director of The First Tee of Houston at FM Law Park.  “The program is a life skills experience which sets the ground work for the future of every young person who participates. “

Over the past five years events like the yearly Father’s Day Father/Child Charity Golf Tournament, chaired by Dr. Norman Berkman; the Dave Marr Memorial Tournament; the USGA grants program and many more have contributed to the success of The First Tee of Houston at F.M. Law Park. 

Joe Turner, Director Houston Parks and Recreation expressed his appreciation,  “We are thankful for all the support we’ve received over the past five years from corporations and individuals.  Their concern for youth and The First Tee’s positive impact on our participants lives now and in the future is to be commended.”

The First Tee of Houston at F.M. Law Park has had many successes over the past five years.  In 2005 participant successes include:

• Michelle Williams, winner The First Tee Scholar
• Maggie Noel, participant The Arizona I.R.I. Mixed Team Championship
• Remington Scott, Robert Paradiso and Malorie Luna, attendees The First Tee National Academy
• Malorie Luna, Maggie Noel, Ernest Whitley and Anuj Vyas, participants The Wal-Mart First Tee Participant Selection Process
• Malorie Luna and Remington Scott, selected to attend The World Golf Village Visit
• Malorie Luna and Maggie Noel, participants The Wal-Mart First Tee Pebble Beach Open
• Maggie Noel, winner The RBS Achiever Award. 

The First Tee of Houston at F.M. Law Park is part of an initiative of the 501(c) (3) nonprofit World Golf Foundation.  The First Tee facility completed in October of 2000, was designed and constructed by Houston’s own Jay Riviere.  Fund-raising for the $1.4 million facility was led by Houston Parks Board Member Nancy Reynolds and included gifts from The First Tee, The World Golf Foundation, Inc., Shell Oil Company, United States Golf Association, the Wortham Foundation, the Fondren Foundation and several other private foundations and individuals.  The First Tee is located on 70 acres of land in southeast Houston’s F.M. Law Park.  It includes a nine-hole course, a lighted 80-station driving range, putting green, chipping green and an indoor learning center.  The learning center offers indoor practice areas, video facilities and staff offices. 

-30-