FOR RELEASE		Contact:  Mandy Riceman, The First Tee
October 6, 2008		(904) 940-4324

COACH FROM THE FIRST TEE TO COMPETE IN
BIG BREAK X:  MICHIGAN ON GOLF CHANNEL

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL– Rachel Melendez, an instructor from The First Tee of East Lake at Charlie Yates Golf Course in Atlanta, will compete in “Big Break X:  Michigan,” scheduled to premiere on  GOLF CHANNEL October 7.  Her teammate is Otis Smith, a PGA Professional from Charlie Yates Golf Course.

Melendez was an accomplished junior golfer in her native Puerto Rico and then in the U.S. before playing collegiately at Penn Sate University and the University of Georgia. At Georgia, she re-shifted her focus and made the decision to quit the golf team and concentrate on her studies. Her work paid off as she graduated with honors and found success in the corporate world. However, missing the game, she returned to golf as an instructor with The First Tee of East Lake in 2007.  She attended The First Tee Coach Phase I Training in Houston earlier this year and strives to be a good role model for her students.

“I want my kids to see that they can do it and that someone who looks like them can accomplish things in golf,” said Melendez, who refers to the children she teaches at The First Tee as ‘my kids.’ “Every shot I hit and every action I take I am always thinking about my kids. I do that because I want to set a good example for them.”

“Rachel is a great asset to our program and an inspiration to our participants, especially the girls’ golf program that she directs,” said Nyre Williams, executive director of The First Tee of East Lake.

The First Tee of East Lake is part of a neighborhood revitalization project created by the East Lake Foundation to transform the formerly crime-ridden area and provide housing and education opportunities for children and adults.

“The First Tee is extremely proud of the accomplishments of The First Tee of East Lake and the role golf plays in the resurgence of that community.  The involvement of dedicated instructors like Rachel make the Chapter successful in positively impacting the lives of young people every day,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee.  “We wish Rachel the best in her endeavors and look forward to her continued involvement with The First Tee.” 

Big Break X:  Michigan premieres on GOLF CHANNEL at 10 p.m. EST October 7.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and four international locations – Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore.   Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.  The Founding Partners of The First Tee are Augusta National Golf Club, the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and United States Golf Association.

# # #

As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  Because of Shell’s initial contribution, The First Tee has garnered the support of hundreds of corporations and organizations that have provided financial or promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.

Media Contact:
Mandy Riceman
The First Tee
(904) 940-4324
mriceman@thefirsttee.org