The $5,000 was given to the Children's Golf Foundation CEO/President Keith Stuhler during a check presentation, Dec. 2, in West Palm Beach, Fla.. PGA Director of Business and Community Relations Earnie Ellison was joined at the presentation by Scott Tolley, director of communications for Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus Companies.

The Children's Golf Foundation at the Tam O'Shanter Teaching and Learning Facility in West Palm Beach teaches the game of golf to mentally and physically challenged children living in South Florida. The program is the only one of its kind in the United States, and is the only First Tee Chapter in the area. As part of the Children's Golf Foundation's program, children are given golf equipment matched to their abilities. Membership in the program, services, and the golf equipment are provided to the children at no cost.

In December 2003, the Children's Golf Foundation also launched their new certification program in which children become certified to play on conventional courses. More than 60 children are being instructed on functionality, pace of play, and proper equipment use.

Jack Nicklaus has been a national co-chairperson for The First Tee's "More Than a Game" campaign for three years. The PGA of America and Jack Nicklaus began a partnership in 2001 to create a $2 million endowment to provide teaching grants to certified First Tee Chapters that use PGA members and apprentices for instruction. Nicklaus/PGA grants totaling $230,000 have been distributed to 38 chapters nationwide.

"We are grateful to Jack Nicklaus and the PGA of America for their financial support," Stuhler said. "This money will help us to continue to provide programs and services for these very special children."

For additional information about the Children's Golf Foundation, call (561) 842-0066.