PGA REACH, the 501 (c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, and the Nicklaus Companies announced today a historic partnership to support PGA REACH in its mission of impacting lives by enabling access to PGA Members, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.
The partnership includes financial support from the Nicklaus Companies, as well as a personal commitment from its founder, Jack Nicklaus, to make an impact on all three areas of focus for PGA REACH: Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion. The Nicklaus Companies will become a PGA REACH Trustee, and Jack Nicklaus will serve as a spokesperson for PGA REACH. He will also help promote PGA Junior League Golf, which is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls to learn and enjoy the game of golf in a team environment under the direction of PGA and LPGA Professionals.
“I have a long history with the PGA of America, and I have always had great respect and appreciation for what they do as an organization and through their membership,” said Jack Nicklaus, who last year celebrated 50 years of membership in the organization. Nicklaus tied Walter Hagen’s record of five PGA Championship victories in 1980 with his win at Oak Hill Country Club, while his wife, Barbara, received the inaugural PGA First Lady of Golf award in 1998.
“From my earliest days learning the game from PGA Professional Jack Grout, to the years helping raise money for junior golf programs, I have been passionate about the role of PGA Professionals as the day-to-day caretakers of the game and those who help grow the game at the green-grass level. We are here to make an impact, and I hope our role can draw others in the game to join us.”
In addition, the Nicklaus Companies will become an Official Partner of PGA REACH and the PGA of America. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nicklaus Companies products to PGA Member facilities will benefit PGA REACH.
“I believe that there is no person who embodies the values and traditions of the game better than Jack Nicklaus,” said Nicklaus Companies Chairman Howard Milstein. “We are dedicated as a company to giving back and growing the game with the PGA, and we are proud to partner with PGA REACH as a Trustee, building the game’s future.”
“We’re honored that Jack Nicklaus, Howard Milstein and the Nicklaus Companies have teamed with both PGA REACH and the PGA of America to deliver a positive impact on the lives of today’s youth, our military veterans, and people of diversity through the game of golf,” said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua. “Their commitment to help grow the game is so important to our mission.”
The Nicklaus Companies is dedicated to promoting excellence in the game of golf, preserving its great traditions, and growing the game. For nearly 50 years, the mission of the Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience, and to bring to the national and international consumer golf-related businesses and services that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus. In 2007, Jack Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein to help further the growth of the company and to realize the full potential of the brands and branded businesses. Howard Milstein is Chairman of New York Private Bank & Trust and is actively involved in the Nicklaus Companies, serving as Chairman. Milstein also has numerous other golf investments, including Miura Golf, GolfLogix, and FlyingTee.
Nicklaus Companies products and services include golf-course design, development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of golf products and services. Nicklaus-branded products have been marketed worldwide since 1962. The Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear-branded lifestyle collection of products include: ice cream; restaurants; beverages; wine; golf academies; home appliances; flooring; cabinets; apparel; footwear; and golf equipment.
Nicklaus Design, the global golf course design firm founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, is widely regarded as the world’s leading design firm. With a philosophy of working closely with clients, enhancing the natural environment, and creating courses that are both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels, the company has more than 410 courses open for play in 44 countries and 39 states. Well over 100 Nicklaus Design courses have been ranked in various national and international Top-100 lists, and no fewer than 145 Nicklaus Design golf courses have hosted more than 925 professional tournaments worldwide or significant national amateur championships.
The Nicklaus Companies www.nicklaus.com
PGA REACH www.PGAREACH.org
PGA of America www.PGA.org