MISSION
Tech Valley Youth Golf brings the character-building game of golf to youth throughout Tech Valley, provides a forum to meet, greet and compete in a fair way with other youth with similar positive interests, builds math and science skills and explores other academic-related demonstrations of golf and in the beginning offers golf lessons and, if needed, golf club sets to the 19-county Tech Valley youth, ages 7 to 17.

GRANTS
To date, Tech Valley Youth Golf has received grants and other funding from the United States Golf Association (USGA) (2009, 2008, 2003), the Professional Golf Association (PGA) (2006-2004), the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) (2009-2005) as well as New York State (2008-2006) and Greene County (2009-2006).

YOUTH TRAINED
Through this program to date, over 3,600 youth have been introduced to the character-building game of golf, over 510 sets of golf clubs have been given away and over $428,000 has been raised for this program. The age range is age 7 to 17. The span is the 19-county Tech Valley area.

2009 PROGRAM COMPONENTS (See below for Access)
Tech Valley Youth Golf has several exciting program components planned for the 2009 golf season, including Introductory Golf Training, Advanced Golf Training, Competitive Golf Training, the Tech Valley Youth Golf League, the Rip Van Winkle Junior Golf Trail, the two-day Youth Golf Celebration and the Tech Valley Youth Golf Charity Evening at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs.

• Introductory Golf Training: all youth ages 7 to 17 within the 19-county Tech Valley area are eligible for this training. Golf clubs and bags are available for those who need them on a “first come first serve” basis. Those clubs and bags stay with the youth upon graduation from the program. This training will occur on actual golf courses and driving ranges. There is a one-time fee of $10 if you don’t need clubs and $20 or more if you do. Scholarships are available.

• Advanced Golf Training: all youth who have successfully completed Tech Valley Youth Golf’s Introductory Golf Training or an equivalent program are eligible to participate in this program. This program is offered by Golf Schools throughout Tech Valley. There is a one-time fee of $25. Scholarships are available.

• Competitive Golf Training: all youth who are interested in ultimately playing on the Professional Circuit and who have completed Tech Valley Youth Golf’s Advanced Golf Training or an equivalent program are eligible. This program is offered by Tech Valley Youth Golf recognized PGA Professional Golf Instructors or their equivalents. There is a one-time fee of $50. Scholarships are available.

• Tech Valley Youth Golf League: all youth who are interested in competing cross-county within Tech Valley and who have completed Tech Valley Youth Golf’s Advanced Golf Training or its equivalent are eligible. This program will occur for six weeks during this Summer: the last three weeks in July and the first three weeks in August. There is an annual fee of $25. Scholarships are available.

• The Rip Van Winkle Junior Golf Trail: As the only Golf Trail in Tech Valley, the Rip Van Winkle Golf Trail consists of 9 golf courses within Greene County, NY. Play on this trail has been very popular with adult golfers. Prizes for adults have included $10,000 in cash prizes, golf trips and free rounds of golf. Adult fee for the Trail is $299. This year we are opening the Junior version of this trail to all youth who have completed Tech Valley Youth Golf’s Advanced Golf Training or equivalent program. Prizes for competing on this Trail include College Savings Bonds, Scholarships and gift certificates for future play. There is a $99 fee. Scholarships are available.

• Youth Golf Celebration: This is the second annual two-day celebration of youth golf. Youth from all 19 counties are invited to participate on Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th at Christman’s Windham House in Windham, NY – site of the Golf Channel “Chip Putt & Drive” Program for two years. There will be free lessons by PGA Professional Golf Instructors, give-aways, demonstrations and representation from many businesses. Free event.

• Tech Valley Youth Golf Charity Event to be held at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga, NY, August 26, 2009. Funds raised from the event will be used to expand and improve Tech Valley Youth Golf each year. Tickets are $195. Click here for ticket information.

ACCESS
If you would like to participate in any of the above-listed program components, please follow these instructions:
• For the Introductory Golf Training, which will be held on actual golf courses throughout Tech Valley, please press here. If you know of golf courses near you that you think would be interested in participating, please indicate that as well and we will be happy to pursue that for you.

• For the Advanced Golf Training, which will be held at Golf Academies throughout Tech Valley, please press here. If you know of golf academies near you that you think would be interested in participating, please indicate that as well and we will be happy to pursue that for you.

• For the Competitive Golf Training, offered by PGA Professional Golf Instructors (or their equivalents), please press here. If you know of any High School Golf Coaches who would like to assist with this component, please indicate that as well and we will be happy to purse that for you.

• For Tech Valley Youth Golf League, which will be played cross-county, please press here.

• For the Rip Van Winkle Junior Golf Trail, which will be accomplished in Greene County between April 1st and October 31st each year, please press here.

• For participation in the Youth Golf Celebration, including information on accommodations, please press here.

• For tickets and/or sponsorship opportunities for the Tech Valley Youth Golf Charity Event to be held at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga, NY, August 26, 2009 please press here.

ENDORSEMENTS
In addition to the above support, many corporations and associations have endorsed Tech Valley Youth Golf, including Hannay Hose Reels, Coca-Cola, AMTRAK, The Golf Club of Chelsea Piers in Manhattan, The Business Council of NYS, Inc., Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain/Winwood, GNH Lumber, Grassland Equipment and Irrigation Corp. Also support has come from many resort-related businesses including, Albergo Allegria, A to Z Promotions, Baumann’s Brookside, DeCrescente Distributing, Deer Watch Inn, Erin’s Melody Hotel, Friar’s European Spa & Salon, Glen Falls House, Hotel Vienna, Palenville House, Pine Lake Manor, Point Lookout Mountain Inn, Reidlbauer’s Resort & Golf Driving Range, The Thompson House

Tech Valley Youth Golf brings to all youth purpose, focus, character, fair play, the value of hard work and the benefits of team interaction ---all skills that will serve them well throughout their life. Tech Valley Youth Golf is also dedicated to bringing the character-building game of golf to those who otherwise could not afford it. If you know of a company, organization or association that would like to help with this not-for-profit effort, please press here.

SCHEDULE
Youth Golf Celebration July, 18/19 2009
Golf competition for youth 7 to 14 years old.

Saturday
• 11: AM start registration, Registrants pick up Tee shirts and name badges at the registration table under the tent.
• Participants warm up at the driving range and on the putting greens 11:AM to 1:PM
• 1: PM registration closes
• 1: PM Dennis Walters Golf Show at the driving range
• 2:15 PM Drive Chip and Putt event Commences, stations will be announced.
• 3:00 PM Hot dogs and drinks for youth.
• 4:30 Awards Presentations under the tent.

Sunday
• 10:00 AM begin Tech day activities.
• 10:00 AM demonstration of the computer analysis K-vest system. Range
• 10:30 AM begin golf clinics.
• 11:00 Swing analysis with electronic swing sensing equipment. Range.
• 2:00 PM start junior tournament (Valley Nine)
• 4:30 PM concluding presentations under the tent.

Greene International Golf Association, Christman’s Windham House Resort, to host Tech Valley Youth Golf Celebration, Drive, Chip and Putt Contest

Tech Valley Youth Golf Celebration’s Drive, Chip and Putt contest -- presented by Greene International Golf Association -- provides boys and girls ages 7-14 with an opportunity to compete in a fun event that helps test and develop their golf skills. Participation is free and children who have an interest in golf, regardless of their skill level or previous exposure to the game, are encouraged to take part.
The competition is divided into four age groups: 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; and 13-14. Prizes are awarded for the top competitors in each of the driving, chipping and putting skills and the top three overall scorers in each age group are awarded trophies.
“We are excited to host the Drive, Chip and Putt contest and to expose junior golfers in the Upstate region to this wonderful game,” says Brian Christman, president and owner of Christman’s Windham House. “Simplifying golf and making it enjoyable is paramount to keeping young persons engaged in the sport.”

In addition to the competitive event Dennis Walters will be here to present The Dennis Walters Golf Show. The show is a program of not only golf lessons, but also life lessons. It appeals to golfers and non-golfers alike, and provides that golf is much more than a game.  www.denniswalters.com 

About Greene International Golf Association

The Greene International Golf Association is dedicated to promoting the healthy, recreational and economic benefits of the pursuit of golf in tech valley. Since it’s founding in 2000 the non profit association has had tremendous success. Greene International has received grants from the United States Golf Association, the Professional Golf Association and the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
Grants given to Greene International by these associations have accounted for over 3,600 children receiving golf instruction and over 510 of them receiving their very own golf equipment. Twenty six regional businesses and associates are Associate Members of Greene International.

About Christman’s Windham House

Conveniently located just three hours north of New York City and a half day’s drive from Boston, and Philadelphia, Christman's Windham House is a complete country resort set on 300 acres of lush lawn and woodland. Surrounding the historic inn, five Colonial-style buildings accommodate guests in modern facilities while preserving the setting's rural charm. Guests have access to the property’s two inviting golf courses: the 7,072-yard Mountain Course and the executive, nine-hole Valley 9. Winter at Christman’s Windham House brings some of the state’s best snow, and with it, droves of skiers who’ve taken advantage of the resort’s prime location in the Catskills.
The Windham House -- one of the Upstate’s true historic gems -- has been offering warm hospitality to its guests for more than 200 years. The handsome Greek revival inn, opened in 1805, is the oldest continuously operating Inn in the Catskill Mountains. Inside the original Inn, drovers found hearty food and warm spirits for the long haul, herding cattle and sheep up and down the rugged roads. At one time the Windham House was the headquarters for the Catskill-Delhi stagecoach line.

For more information on Christman’s Windham House: call (888) 294-4053, email info@windhamhouse.com, or visit www.windhamhouse.com

CONTACT:
Gene McGrath
Executive Director
Greene International Golf Association
www.greenecountygolf.com
(518) 797-3052