EHE News
Jim Furyk family supports Buckeyes' Play Golf America University
PGA Tour professional Jim Furyk, who was a big part of the United States' reclaiming the Ryder Cup last year, has designated a gift of $45,000 in honor of his wife, Tabitha Furyk. The gift, which comes from the Ryder Cup Outreach Program, supports the Play Golf America University program hosted by the College of Education and Human Ecology.
"On behalf of Tabitha, who is from Columbus and attended Ohio State, it's a pleasure to be able to give back to the university to help grow the game of golf," Furyk said. "Just as my alma mater [the University of Arizona] is dear to me, Ohio State is close to Tabitha's heart, and we each remember how much our respective schools helped us and how this program can benefit so many others.
"It's a neat program by PGA [of America] and Ryder Cup to be able to donate so much in our names to a PGA program within those universities."
Tabitha Startved Furyk graduated from the college in 1995 with a specialization in elementary education. She and Jim Furyk live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., with their two children. She returns regularly to Ohio State to visit and enjoy Buckeyes' games, often joined by her husband.
"The Ryder Cup is my favorite event. I look forward to it more than anything in the world. On top of that, having the ability to make a difference in our communities by giving to the universities we both attended is a lot of fun," Jim Furyk said.
PGA Tour professional Jim Furyk (center) presents $45,000 to the college during the 2009 Memorial Golf Tournament. Present for the ceremony at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, were (L-R) Steve Groves, PGA professional and vice president of the Southern Ohio PGA Section; Dean Cheryl Achterberg; Kelly Trent, LPGA professional and program coordinator; and John Newkirk, PGA professional and executive director of the Southern Ohio PGA Section.
Program emphasizes use of golf in business and life
The Play Golf America University program provides a comprehensive introduction to golf and the chance to develop skills. Students learn rules, terminology, etiquette and history of the game, and compete in campus recreation programs. In addition, the program gives students an understanding of golf as a business tool in the professional world. Upon graduation, they will be prepared to play in company outings and with business associates.
"The Play Golf America University program has overwhelmingly grown overnight, and this contribution from Jim Furyk will be an incredible asset to help more students enroll in the program," said Kelly Trent, LPGA professional and coordinator of the program.
The gift will enable the program to hire more instructors and cut down the waiting list, which has topped more than 100 students each quarter.
"The potential for this program is unlimited and the future looks very bright," Trent said.
The program, a natural fit in the college's School of Physical Activity and Educational Services (PAES), first launched in autumn 2008 with a small grant from the PGA. It was originally spearheaded by W. Michael Sherman, professor and former director of PAES. He now is associate provost for administration at Ohio State.
PAES instructor Patricia Meves ('68) served as the first program coordinator, successfully starting the application process for the initial grant.
Since 1999, 130 player-designated charities and 38 colleges and universities have received funding for the Play Golf America University program, amounting to $13 million donated by The PGA of America on behalf of the United States Ryder Cup Team and Captain.
The PGA of America Foundation allows each Ryder Cup team member to designate a gift to the charity and the Play Golf America University program of his choice.
© 2009 The Ohio State University - College of Education and Human Ecology. All Rights Reserved.
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