Payne Stewart Family Foundation to endow ACE Grant

The Payne Stewart Family Foundation, a co-sponsor of the Bass Pro Shops / Payne Stewart Junior Championship since 2007, will endow an Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant beginning in 2013, the American Junior Golf Association announced Friday.

The ACE Grant gives top-flight golf opportunities to young golfers regardless of financial resources. This program helps fulfill the AJGA’s mission of developing young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.

“We are grateful to Tracey Stewart and the Payne Stewart Family Foundation for joining us in the journey to ensure that all talented junior golfers have the opportunity to earn a college scholarship no matter their financial situation,” AJGA Vice President of Development Walker Hill said. “Through our ongoing partnership with the Payne Stewart Family Foundation, we have witnessed their steadfast desire to honor Payne’s legacy by positively impacting our next generation.”

Since its inception in 2003, the ACE Grant has given 966 grants to 545 juniors. More than 3,000 playing opportunities have been made available because of the ACE Grant. In its 11-year history, juniors have received over $10.84 million in college scholarships.

“We have been pleased to partner with the AJGA in co-sponsoring the Bass Pro Shops / Payne Stewart Junior Championship and are excited to add to that effort by endowing an ACE Grant,” Tracey Stewart said.  “Our support of the AJGA’s efforts allows us to honor Payne’s commitment to helping underprivileged children and youth and encouraging golf as a vehicle for transforming lives.”