PGA Tour Superstore owner Arthur Blank has made a $10 million grant through his family’s foundation to The First Tee, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports kid’s life skills through golf lessons. Since 1999, the Blank Family Foundation has contributed over $25 million to First Tee.

Based in Ponta Vedra Beach, Florida, the organization claims to teach over 3.6 million youth annually through programs nationwide and internationally.

Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, joined First Tee as a National Trustee in 2011. Since then, support from Blank’s PGA Tour Superstore and the family’s foundation has helped fuel the growth of First Tee’s programs.

“Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways,” said Blank. “The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We’re proud of our deep partnership with the First Tee and are committed to the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth.”

“We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,“ said Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner and chair of First Tee Board of Governors. “Arthur’s vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future. Through this transformative gift, Arthur is helping open doors for young people nationwide, empowering them to grow as golfers and as people.”

The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020.

“This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development,“ said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork.”

Image courtesy First Tee