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AJGA,
Titleist Agree to 10-Year National Sponsorship Extension
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Industry
leader recommits its support to the American Junior Golf Association
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| AJGA
Executive Director Stephen Hamblin (right) presents Wally
Uihlein (left) with a placque commemorating Titleist's
commitment to the AJGA. |
Since
1989, there has been no greater supporter of the American Junior
Golf Association than Titleist. On Friday, Feb. 17, at the AJGA’s
Digger Smith Banquet during the Association’s Annual Meeting
in Braselton, Ga., Acushnet Company Chairman and CEO Wally Uihlein
announced a 10-year extension of Titleist’s National Sponsorship,
maintaining the company’s position as the foundation to
the AJGA’s continued growth and success.
“The
AJGA is the world’s premier junior golf organization,”
Uihlein said. “The extension of our current commitment
is intended to reinforce the current direction of the AJGA which
continues to provide a national competitive opportunity for
thousands of junior golfers each year, helping maximize their
opportunity to earn a college golf scholarship. In addition,
the extension of our current agreement provides the AJGA with
the long-term financial stability it has long coveted and justly
deserves.”
Seventeen years ago, Titleist, as National Sponsor, became the
AJGA’s first unrestricted partner, allowing the Association
to use Titleist’s financial support to further the AJGA
Mission without any parameters. In short, this agreement allowed
the AJGA to further evolve into the world’s best vehicle
for top-flight junior golfers to get the exposure needed to
garner college golf scholarships.
“Titleist’s unwavering support of the AJGA and junior
golf is unparalleled,” AJGA Executive Director Stephen
Hamblin said. “The recommitment of Titleist will continue
to allow the AJGA to reach goals once considered dreams. Looking
back at what we’ve accomplished and looking forward toward
new objectives and challenges, I feel confident the AJGA is
set up for success for many years to come.”
| Click
here to read the transcript of Wally Uihlein's historic
speech at the 2006 Digger Smith Dinner |
During
Titleist’s tenure as National Sponsor, the AJGA has upgraded
every facet of the Association. As a result, initiatives such
as increasing the number of tournaments conducted, making events
more affordable by regionalizing the schedule, giving more accessibility
to the AJGA through Srixon Qualifiers, Medicus Preseason/Postseason
events, Nike Golf Junior All-Star Series events and Performance
Based Entry, and creating the Achieving Competitive Excellence
(ACE) Grant financial assistance program, were made possible.
In looking at the numbers, the AJGA has grown from 2,622 members
in 1989 to 4,930 members in 2005. AJGA tournaments have grown
from 24 to 75 events in 2006, with five events being conducted
simultaneously during most summer weeks in 33 states and Mexico.
With the steady growth in staff and tournaments, the AJGA’s
budget has increased dramatically from $1.1 million in 1989
to a projected $8 million in 2006. An AJGA staff of just seven
full-time employees has jumped to 52 in January 2006, filling
the Association’s 17,000 square-foot National Headquarters
that opened in 2000.
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