Each summer, more than 6,500 inner-city youth, who may never have been exposed to the great sport of golf, come through the gates at Kids Across America Kamps on the shores of Table Rock Lake near Golden.
The kids range in age from 9 to 18 and, as they arrive from all parts of the country, they are treated to a week of summer camp in southwest Missouri, where golf is one of many opportunities for them to engage.
“The best part for me is that golf is one of those few sports that helps a kid learn how to handle life’s tough situations,” said Mark Parry, director of The First Tee of the Ozarks, a part of the Payne Stewart Memorial golf facility at Kids Across America. “It teaches honesty and integrity. You have to call penalties on yourself. There are just a lot of inherent life skills that come with playing golf and we love exposing our kids to those great lessons.”
First Tee of the Ozarks relies on fundraising, and the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to support the cause. The tournament, part of the PGA Tour’s annual Web.com Tour stop in Springfield, has generated almost $13 million for children’s charities in its 26-year history. And here is your chance to assist again.
About First Tee of the Ozarks
Following a tragic plane accident in October 1999 that took the life of renowned professional golfer Payne Stewart, his widow, Tracey, selected KAA to permanently construct the Payne Stewart Memorial Golf & Leadership Complex.
Tracey selected KAA because the desire to impact kids and the love of golf were dear to the heart of both she and Payne. She recognized that the urban kids in America ‘s cities grow more desperate every day and was able to witness first hand the dramatic impact that KAA makes on them. This amazing addition has provided the perfect setting at KAA to introduce urban campers to the game of golf.
RISING STARS, RAISING HOPES
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses also can support the PCCC through various sponsorships. Buy a Skybox and sit on the 9th and 18th greens as the Web.com Tour pros march through Highland Springs Country Club. Or use the tournament to promote your business with large banners hung in highly visible areas. We also offer several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Businesses also can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by Copy Products, Inc. and University Plaza.
- WIN A NEW TRUCK: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket can win one of 500 daily gift cards as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2016 Ford F-150 XLT. It’s also good for a four-day tournament pass.
- SEE THE FUTURE OF THE PGA TOUR: The PCCC is from Aug. 5-15, with the pros beginning play on Aug. 11 at Highland Springs Country Club. For tickets or other ways to assist, call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
Dawie vander Walt won the 2015 PCCC. (Photo courtesy of StidzMedia.)
