Tennessee Golf Foundation

Dear friend of Tennessee Golf:

To get a better idea of what we do as an organization, you should check out our 2011 TGF Progress Report. This year, we take you behind-the-scenes to see the planning and organizing that our golf programs require — showing why we think golf is the best sport on the planet. We asked all of those involved in our tournaments and supported programs to document in photos what went on during the week of July 17 through 23 all over the state of Tennessee. As you’ll see by the photos and timeline, it’s an impressive body of work. That week alone, over 1,300 young people took part in these activities.

Attention to detail, organization and exhibiting the values of the game are required at every turn. We are teachers, planners, mind readers, parental advisors, even judges and jury — all pointing toward making a positive impact on the lives of those who enjoy our game. Safety and having fun are top priorities, and these always are at the top of our staff’s list.

We have been told by some experienced experts in the non-profit world of business and fund raising that “your golf foundation has an incredibly large list of repeat annual donors — far exceeding the norm of charitable organizations”. This surprises non-golfers, but it doesn’t surprise me. Golfers are good people, passionate about the game, its uniqueness, its life-enhancing values, and its longevity. If you seriously think about it, golf just doesn’t have many “bad” people in it — those people just don’t get it and leave early.

We know that the dynamics of golf, and especially those at private clubs, are changing rapidly and the entire industry is seeking answers as to how to create more interest and return to the days of old. My guess is we can’t get back to the late 90’s, but I also will bet that we will be just fine in the long run because the people reading this letter will keep us on track. Golf might be getting a face lift and a haircut today, but don’t ever think we will compromise the values or shortcut the planning process to protect and preserve it for tomorrow.

Warmest personal regards,

Dick Horton
President, Tennessee Golf Foundation