VinnyLinks Learning Center Honors Crockett Family

VinnyLinks Learning Center Honors Crockett Family

The Tennessee Golf Foundation, with the approval of the Nashville Metro Parks Board of Directors, yesterday officially named its The First Tee of Nashville learning center/clubhouse "The Crockett Family Leaning Center".

Opened in 2000 with former President George and Barbara Bush on hand joining Vince Gill and Amy Grant at the ribbon cutting ceremony, the nine hole VinnyLinks Course along side the Cumberland River has flourished, reaching hundreds of junior golfers each year.

"Dan Crockett, the founder and CEO of Franklin American Mortgage Company, is not only an elite championship player on the course but an elite philanthropist when it comes to giving back to the game of golf. Thanks to Dan, fully funded programs like The First Tee's Ace and Eagle Academy have elevated the standards for all of the young boys and girls in the First Tee. Naming the learning center was a perfect tribute for his long and lasting support to teach golf's core values to children," noted TGF President Dick Horton at the dedication ceremony.

Dan has been a loyal supporter of the Music City Golf Association Championship for public course players, and underwriting the Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl Charity Cup that has added thousands of dollars to The First Tee program. He also is a presenting sponsor of the AJGA event played in Franklin.

"I have been very fortunate to have been successful in business and I love to give back to the game that has given me so much," Crockett said at the dedication. "If young people learn the game of golf, they will be better citizens". The First Tee Executive Director Thelma Ewell backed up Crockett's statement when she told those on hand that the program has a 100% high school graduation rate over the past 5 years!