The Growth of the Game Grant Program has been supporting Tennessee PGA Professionals and Associates for the past decade, empowering them to introduce and expand the game of golf through various initiatives. The funds provided through this grant help alleviate financial pressures on PGA Facilities.
Over the past year, nine PGA Professionals have been awarded grants for eleven distinct programs. These individuals include Lamar Mills (Chattanooga), Allie Knight (Knoxville), Kris Hertzske (Middle Tennessee), Joey Hickman (Middle Tennessee), Cole Murley (Middle Tennessee), Cody Weems (Tri-Cities), Chris Stacy (Tri-Cities), Jeremy Beachner (Tri-Cities), and Bob Guiseppe (West Tennessee).
A few of the grant programs include:
Lamar Mills (Chattanooga) organized Special Olympics Golf Clinics for young athletes aged 8 and up, preparing them for State Special Olympic tournaments. Four clinics covered skills from short putts to long putts, chip and pitch, and techniques for irons and woods.
Allie Knight (Knoxville) conducted four summer camps—two for ages 10-14 and two for ages 5-9. Due to growing interest, particularly among the younger age group, a waitlist was introduced. To accommodate this demand and enhance instruction for younger golfers, Allie invested in SNAG Golf Equipment.
Kris Hertzske (Middle Tennessee) launched the Maury County Junior Golf Initiative, aimed at reintegrating golf into the school system in Maury County. He organized a Professional Development Day for PE teachers, training them on how to use the equipment. This initiative has encouraged many teachers to incorporate golf into their programs.
Cody Weems (Tri-Cities) created The Tri-Cities Adult-Junior Tournament, which pairs adult and junior golfers (ages 12-18) in a two-person scramble format. This event, which includes family teams, fosters intergenerational bonding, boosts youth participation, and strengthens family connections while promoting the sport in the Tri-Cities.
Chris Stacy (Tri-Cities) used his grant to support the Bill Webster Junior Championship at Glenrochie Country Club. Named after Glenrochie’s first PGA professional, Bill Webster, the tournament aims to provide a major championship experience for young golfers. Additionally, a $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one senior boy and one senior girl based on a bio highlighting their academic achievements, athletic accolades, and community service. Each recipient receives a Bill Webster Junior Championship Green Letterman’s Jacket and an invitation to the Champions Dinner at future events.
Kelsey Ludwigsen, Communications Manager