Alumnus Scott Verplank donates $100K to OSU via 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup Team On behalf of the 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup Team member Scott Verplank, The PGA of America is donating $100,000 to Oklahoma State University to help fund the Golf: For Business & Life program within the College of Education. “The Golf for Business and Life Program at OSU will help students become involved with the lifelong passion for the game of golf and help them in their future professional careers.  The program encourages a healthy lifestyle which is a necessary and vital skill in today’s business environment,” said Dr. John Romans, school head for applied health and educational psychology. When U.S. Ryder Cup team Captain Tom Lehman and his team tee it up at the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland last month, students at colleges and universities across the country benefited from their play.

Scott Verplank in the team room at The K-Club in Straffan, Ireland. Sunday, September 24, 2006. (photograph by The PGA of America)

Each U.S. Ryder Cup team member, including the Captain, designates $100,000 to the school(s) of their choice in support of the Golf: For Business & Life program. The program has expanded to 59 universities nationwide reaching more than 20,000 students.  Since Golf: For Business & Life was established in 1999, The PGA of America has distributed more than $5.8 million to colleges and universities throughout the United States on behalf of members of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

“I think that they ( Oklahoma State) were very excited by the first donation that I was able to provide (in 2002), and I’m sure that they will be happy with this little boost to it,” U.S. Team member Scott Verplank said.

Golf: For Business & Life is a PGA of America college initiative designed to teach and improve the golf skill of college juniors, seniors and graduate students through instruction provided by PGA Professionals. The successful program educates students, regardless of their chosen career, on how they can use golf as a business tool as they enter the professional world.  Local business leaders are also asked to address students on how golf has enhanced their business.

The 36th Ryder Cup was played Sept. 22-24 at The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland.  Members of the 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup Team and their designated school(s) for their contribution follow:

The GOLF: For Business & Life program is part of The PGA of America’s Play Golf America campaign, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers.  Play Golf America was launched in 2004 by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. The program utilizes the www.playgolfamerica.com Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary, The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf, while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

GOLF: For Business & Life Participating Colleges and Universities – Fall, 2006

Alabama A & M University *            
California Polytechnic*                      
Centenary College *                            
Clark Atlanta University
Florida International University
Gavilan College                   
Georgia Tech University *
Hampton University *
ITC (Interdenominational Theological Center)
Kutztown University
Lipscomb University *        
Long Beach State University *                          
Louisiana State University *
Morehouse College                             
Morehouse School of Medicine
Ohlone College
Oklahoma State University *
Purdue University
Sonoma State University
Southern Methodist University*
Spelman College
Stanford University *
Tri State University
Truman State/Kirksville College
University of Arizona *
University of California Los Angeles*
University of Florida *
University of Georgia *
University of Maryland *
University of Minnesota *
University of North Carolina *
University of San Diego *
University of Texas *
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University *                                                  

*Denotes Program Funded by Ryder Cup Team Contribution

Play Golf America Golf: For Business & Life Program
Ryder Cup Total Contributions

Since 1999, The PGA of America has distributed more than $5.8 million to colleges and universities throughout the United States on behalf of members of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Each Captain and the 12 players designate $100,000 to the universities of their choice in support of Golf: For Business & Life, a PGA of America growth of the game initiative. U.S. Ryder Cup Team members and their total contributions to the designated universities are listed below.

School                                                                                           Player/Total Contribution

2006 Ryder Cup USA Team Members bolded             

Top of page ^