FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH
VISITS PARTICIPANTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

RYE, NH (July 9, 2009) – Former President George Bush, honorary chairman of The First Tee since 1997,  today visited participants attending The First Tee selection process for girls at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire.  Former First Lady Barbara Bush, and granddaughter Jenna Bush, also attended and enjoyed lunch with the participants.

“President and Mrs. Bush were very nice, and you could tell they were excited to be here. They made us laugh and wished us luck in the qualifying process.  It was truly an amazing experience!” said Natalie Bodnar from The First Tee of the Tri-Valley (Pleasanton, CA).

Thirty-nine girls from The First Tee Chapters across the country are competing this week for 22 spots to play in the Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, an official Champions Tour event that takes place this summer during Labor Day weekend.  A similar selection process for 84 boys will take place next week, July 14-18, in Rogers, Ark.  Of the 78 juniors that will participate in this year’s unique tournament, 70 will be chosen from these two selection events.

“We are delighted President and Barbara Bush have again taken the time to visit with the young people participating in our programs,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee.  “They have been very giving of their time over the years.  Their words of encouragement will serve to inspire the impressive group of young ladies taking part in this week’s activities.”

The First Tee selection process recognizes participants that have integrated life skills learned through The First Tee into other aspects of their life.  Participants are evaluated both on and off the golf course, through a series of interviews, essays and a 36-hole golf-proficiency event.  A committee of judges evaluates participants based on the following criteria:

• Proficiency on the golf course
• Personal interviews
• Life skills curriculum knowledge
• Personal essay describing how they use their experiences at The First Tee in their daily life
• Involvement and longevity with The First Tee
• Summary of community involvement, awards/recognitions and extracurricular activities
• Decorum

The Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach will take place Aug. 31-Sept. 6 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course, and will be televised on GOLF CHANNEL. Visit www.thefirsttee.org or www.thefirstteeopen.com for more information.

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 2.9 million participants in 49 states, over 2,800 elementary schools and five international locations – Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore.   Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman.  The First Tee Founding Partners are The Masters Tournament, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA.

Media Contact:  Steve Gerrish, The First Tee, (904) 940-4314 or sgerrish@thefirsttee.org