Round Up 4 Els for Autism Rolls Out Nationwide This Month
DALLAS (April 1, 2024) — April is World Autism Month and around the country at facilities of Arcis Golf—the 2nd largest owner and operator of private, resort and daily fee clubs—that means it’s round up time! “Round Up 4 Els for Autism,” the company’s annual April initiative to raise funds for Els for Autism Foundation®, kicks off on Monday, April 1, and lasts for the entire month. The global mission of Els for Autism is to transform the lives of people with autism and those who care for them through lifetime services and collaborative partnerships.
An extension of Arcis’s partnership with professional golfer and World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els, his wife, Liezl, and Els for Autism Foundation, April’s program has two components. Purchases—including merchandise, food and beverage, and golf—made by Arcis Golf club members, guests, and patrons are “rounded up” to the nearest dollar with the round-up amounts donated to Els for Autism. Additionally, each facility can stage its own events such as a golf tournament, fun run, casino night, fashion show, and more to raise funds that directly impact the lives of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In 2023, the campaign raised over $150,000 and since the program’s inception, Arcis Golf—through its members, clubs, and customers—has donated more than $500,000 to Els for Autism.
“World Autism Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, acceptance, and to draw attention to the 1 in 36 children affected by ASD in the United States,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO, Arcis Golf. “The Els for Autism Foundation funds important programs that are the leading examples of what can be available to people with ASD.”
Additional financial contributions will be accepted through October 15 at 3 PM EST, either at an Arcis Golf facility or via an online donation. Clubs or individuals raising or donating $15,000 or more will be invited to send a two-person team to play in November’s Els for Autism Golf Challenge Grand Finale event at The Breakers Palm Beach.
“The support and partnership of Arcis Golf is truly appreciated,” said Ernie Els, who founded the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 with his wife, Liezl, after their son, Ben, was diagnosed. “By rounding up and engaging with both Arcis’s members and guests, we can generate funds to make the world a better place for individuals with autism.”
The newest addition to The Els Center of Excellence® campus in Jupiter, Florida is the Stoops Family Adult Services Building. The 21,000-square-foot facility is home to vocational labs, classrooms, and therapy suites to support employment and independent living for autistic adults who have exited the school system.
A new program, U Can Employ™ powered by Els for Autism, equips companies with the essential tools and strategies for embedding autism inclusion into the company’s fabric, ensuring businesses can recruit, hire, onboard, and retain autistic employees. Starting later this year, a pilot program will be launched at The Club at Weston Hills, an Arcis facility, in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area where autistic adults will work in golf maintenance, operations, retail, or food and beverage.
“The commitment shown by Arcis Golf and the team at The Club at Weston Hills towards implementing strategies learned through U Can Employ across various departments is truly commendable,” said Els for Autism Executive Director Marlene Sotelo, EdD., BCBA-D, MT-BC. “We are enthusiastic about the prospect of supporting the company and its current and future employees in their journey. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact of this partnership and the meaningful strides that Arcis Golf will make towards fostering a culture of autism inclusion.”
The partnership with Els for Autism Foundation is one of the numerous ways Arcis Golf supports national philanthropic organizations, including United States Adaptive Golf Alliance, Love Hope Strength Foundation, and Women In Golf Foundation, in addition to the many local charities in the communities it serves.
To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit arcisgolf.com.
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About Arcis Golf
Arcis Golf is the premier operator of approximately 70 public and private golf clubs in the United States and an industry leader, providing dynamic direction and unrivaled amenities that complement diverse playing experiences. Arcis Golf properties enhance the golf and country club lifestyle to a level of excellence designed to exceed the needs and expectations of family, friends, co-workers, and guests of all ages.
Arcis Golf is also known for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team that is reinventing the modern club experience, making it more relevant to the lifestyles of today’s consumers. The company is committed to enhancing service levels, amenities, and programming to broaden the appeal for members and guests at all its properties. Headquarters: 8343 Douglas Ave, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75225. Phone: (214) 722-6000. Website: arcisgolf.com
About Els for Autism Foundation
Established in 2009 by World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els, his wife Liezl, and honorary chairman Marvin R. Shanken, the Els for Autism Foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers through comprehensive lifespan services and collaborative partnerships. Els for Autism has provided services to families and professionals in 31 countries around the globe. In addition to its U.S. location, Els for Autism has foundations in Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Els for Autism Foundation is a US public charity (EIN #26-3520396), recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from Federal tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Donations can be made online at www.elsforautism.org and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458.
Media Contact
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
908/963-6013
Company’s Commitment to Inclusiveness, Business of Golf for All Women Is Showcased
DALLAS (March 27, 10:30 a.m.) — For the second consecutive year, Arcis Golf — the second largest and fastest-growing owner and operator of private, resort, and daily fee clubs in the United States — is Presenting Sponsor for the National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship. The 29th annual event, organized by the Women In Golf Foundation, Inc. (WIGF), will be held April 1-3, 2024 at The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, an Arcis Golf facility in Katy (near Houston), Texas. This is the first year that the tournament has been played outside of the metro Atlanta area where WIGF is headquartered.
The invitational championship is WIGF’s major fundraising event and this year, 11 women’s college golf teams will play for the Renee Powell Cup, named for the second ever African American woman to play on the LPGA Tour and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Chicago State University is the defending title holder of the National Women’s Collegiate Golf Championship. Additionally, the low medalist from Division I receives an exemption into an Epson Tour (LPGA developmental tour) event, while the low medalist from Division II receives a spot in the Pro-Am at The Chevron Championship, an LPGA event.
“The growth of this partnership is so meaningful and makes a big impact on our ability to carry out the mission of providing high-level competition and also, in preparing young women for life and careers off the course,” said LaJean Gould, President of WIGF. “Playing at a facility like The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch is an important element in expanding the reach of this event to a higher level of visibility for WIGF, Women’s Collegiate Golf, and a larger pool of athletes.”
Gould noted that Arcis Golf’s executive leadership provides a valuable resource for the players as they plan their careers. “The theme of the 2024 professional development session is ‘The Champions Journey, On and Off the course,’ and having the participation and immersive industry perspective of Arcis Golf executives is so valuable.”
The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, set among rolling fairways and mature tall stands of trees, with significant elevation changes, more than 50 bunkers and beautiful water features, is also the practice facility for Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University. Arcis Golf opens its facilities to collegiate golf teams around the country as part of its social responsibility, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
“This growing, continuing relationship between our two organizations is an important part of the company’s commitment to inclusiveness at all levels,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO, Arcis Golf. “Incorporating professional development into the program intentionally helps these women athletes meet with influential business executives to help cultivate their future, professional networks.”
Arcis Golf recently sponsored the inaugural Arcis HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Collegiate Golf Championship at The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Florida, showcasing 16 HBCU men’s and women’s golf teams in three rounds of competition. Additionally, in support of women’s golf, the company sponsors LPGA Tour golfer Lilia Vu, and hosts two rounds of the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) each spring at its Champions Retreat course in Augusta, Georgia.
WIGF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the development of women and girls via the game of golf through education, leadership, and life-skill training. WIGF has contributed over $200,000 to collegiate women’s golf programs, while more than 2,000 women and girls have participated and benefitted from the work of WIGF at both the collegiate and junior golf level.
Linnet Carty, Arcis Golf’s Director, Inclusion and Equity said, “Through our many events and initiatives, Arcis Golf continues to support access and career opportunities in the golf business. As a board member of WIGF, I know the impact these programs have on the participants and credit LaJean’s vision for making this a best-in-class experience.”
An industry leader in providing inventive programming and unrivaled lifestyle amenities that complement exceptional golf offerings, Arcis Golf has invested more than $100 million in the past four years on property upgrades, new amenities, personnel, training, and systems to create extraordinary experiences and forge emotional connections with members and guests. The company has received numerous honors, including a National Golf Foundation “2023 Top 100 Businesses in Golf.”
To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit arcisgolf.com. To learn more about the Women in Golf Foundation Inc., visit womeningolffoundation.org.
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About Arcis Golf
Arcis Golf is the premier operator of approximately 70 public and private golf clubs in the United States and an industry leader, providing dynamic direction and unrivaled amenities that complement diverse playing experiences. Arcis Golf properties enhance the golf and country club lifestyle to a level of excellence designed to exceed the needs and expectations of family, friends, co-workers, and guests of all ages.
Arcis Golf is also known for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team that is reinventing the modern club experience, making it more relevant to the lifestyles of today’s consumers. The company is committed to enhancing service levels, amenities, and programming to broaden the appeal for members and guests at all its properties. Headquarters: 8343 Douglas Ave, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75225. Phone: (214) 722-6000. Website: arcisgolf.com
About Women in Golf Foundation Inc.
The Women In Golf Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes women in golf. The organization focuses on creating opportunities for females by implementing programs that develop leadership and life skills as they learn to play the game of golf competitively for business and recreational purposes. Support and training are provided for female youth golfers early through college and entry into their chosen profession. The organization’s signature focus is on the development of women collegiate golf teams and identifying career opportunities within the golf industry and other corporate positions. To keep this focus, young girls are recruited and developed as a feeder pool for collegiate institutions.
Media Contact
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
908/963-6013
Two-player adult teams of local champions will compete for national title in Scottsdale
FRISCO, TX (March 26, 2024) — The 2024 PGA Team Golf Championship will feature a 240-player field of two-player teams with adult amateurs competing in two separate formats: Best Ball and Scramble. In addition to awarding the winning teams in both formats, the low All Male, All Female and Mixed teams will be recognized in both formats.
“Bringing the PGA Team Golf Championship to Grayhawk Golf Club is a full-circle moment for us, as they graciously hosted the 13u National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship for six years,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “We’re grateful for our relationship with Grayhawk and we know that PGA Team Golf Championship participants are going to have an incredible experience in Scottsdale. This format is a great opportunity to team up with friends, enjoy the game and create relationships with local PGA of America Golf Professionals.”
“From the entire team, welcome to all the competitors, families and old friends to Scottsdale and Grayhawk Golf Club,” said Joe “Shoe” Shershenovich, PGA of America General Manager of Grayhawk Golf Club. “Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to make a lot of connections while hosting events like this, including with the PGA of America. Not only are their events themselves second-to-none, but we get the chance to see our pals again while serving as the host venue for the PGA Team Golf Championship.”
PGA Team Golf stages local tournaments throughout the summer, culminating in an annual National Championship. The local schedule was released this month, and teams can find a nearby event and register online at PGATeamGolf.com.
Local PGA Team Golf participants have the opportunity to earn invitations to the National Championship. First-priority invitations will be sent to winning teams and pairs from each division in local events held between August 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023, as well as the top three teams and top five pairs in each division from last year’s championship. The second wave of invitations will be sent to winning teams of both divisions in 2024 local tournaments and leagues held prior to June 1.
The PGA Team Golf Championship will kick off Friday, Sept. 6, with an optional 18-hole Monument Shootout at Troon North Golf Club’s Monument Course. Rounds one and two will be held on Grayhawk’s Raptor and Talon courses Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, with awards held immediately following play.
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About PGA Team Golf
There’s nothing better than a round with friends. PGA Team Golf offers local tournaments and leagues for adults, with two-player teams choosing their desired format: scramble or best ball. For more information about PGA Team Golf, visit PGATeamGolf.com.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Grayhawk Golf Club
Since opening in 1994, Scottsdale, Arizona’s Grayhawk Golf Club has been considered one of the state’s top public, daily fee golf venues, offering 36 holes of golf in a Sonoran Desert setting. Grayhawk has been honored with industry accolades and has hosted several premier competitive golf events. They include the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Championships (2021-2023), PGA TOUR’s Frys.com Open (2007-2009), National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship (2016-2022), Williams World Challenge (Tiger’s tournament, 2000), Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf (WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship), WM Phoenix Open Pro-Ams, Tommy Bahama Challenge, the AJGA Thunderbird International Junior and others. Open to everyone, Grayhawk Golf Club also offers a stylish lineup of golf and lifestyle amenities, including four dining options, shopping, special events, and catering. Owned and operated by Arcis Golf, for more information, visit www.grayhwawkgolf.com or call 480.502.1800.
Media Contacts
Hayley Wilson
Alday PR
hayley@aldaypr.com
Jesse Dodson
PGA of America
jdodson@pgahq.com
Arnold Palmer-designed TPC River’s Bend to Host LPGA Event in September
CINCINNATI (March 25, 10:30 a.m.) — The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G announced today TPC River’s Bend will be the official host venue, welcoming 144 of the world’s best golfers this September 16-22 competing for a purse of $2 million.
“We are thrilled to partner with Arcis Golf to host the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G at TPC River’s Bend,” said Emily Norell, Tournament Director. “With the course’s history of staging large-scale events and its championship layout, this promises to be a can’t miss stop on the LPGA Tour for players and fans alike.”
TPC River’s Bend, owned by Arcis Golf – the second largest owner and operator of private, resort and daily fee golf facilities in the United States – is no stranger to world-class golf. The Maineville, Ohio club hosted the PGA TOUR Champions Kroger Classic (2002-2004), the Korn Ferry Tour Chiquita Classic (2010-2015), and the EPSON Tour’s Prasco Charity Championship (2018, 2019, 2021). TPC River’s Bend, which opened in 2001, has been recognized by Golf Digest as among the Top 10 Best New Private Clubs in the U.S. and as one of Ohio’s “Best Courses by State.”
“We are so excited to showcase TPC River’s Bend on a global stage,” said Blake Walker, CEO and Founder, Arcis Golf. “We look forward to welcoming the LPGA Tour, partners, and fans this September.”
Additionally, Walker said, “Arcis Golf has a proven track record of supporting women’s golf and is committed to inclusion and growing interest and participation in the game.” In April, Arcis will host the first two rounds of the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans GA, and has a partnership with Lilia Vu, LPGA star and World No. 2, who serves as an Arcis brand ambassador.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished over the past two years and are excited to continue to partner with P&G and the LPGA to engage and empower women both on and off the golf course as we work to inspire hundreds of local Cincinnati women through the Game Changers platform,” said Kate Meyer, Kroger Health & Beauty Vice President.
“Kroger & P&G are thrilled to welcome the world-class athletes of the LPGA back to Cincinnati for the third year in a row and we can’t imagine a better host venue than TPC River’s Bend,” said Pat Cady, P&G Sales Senior Vice President.
More details about the tournament can be found by visiting the website at queencitylpga.com.
Ticket packages and volunteer opportunities will be available in the coming weeks.
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About the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G
The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G is owned and operated by Excel Sports Management, an industry-leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands and marquee properties. Excel has twice won Sports Business Journal’s Best In Talent Representation and Management award, was named one of Front Office Sports’ Best Employers in Sports, and is consistently ranked as one of the most valuable sports agencies in the world by Forbes. Excel has been the operator of all nine versions of Capital One’s The Match and the LPGA’s Mizuho Americas Open. The agency has offices in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and London. For more information, visit excelsm.com.
About Kroger
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Cascade®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Mr. Clean®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Secret®, SK-II®, Swiffer®, Tampax®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.
About Arcis Golf
Arcis Golf is a premier owner and operator of golf facilities and has a portfolio of nearly 70 public and private golf clubs in the United States. An industry leader, Arcis Golf continues to transform its portfolio of golf clubs into inclusive, lifestyle hubs with dynamic programming and unrivaled amenities that complement diverse playing experiences. Arcis Golf properties enhance the golf and country club lifestyle to a level of excellence designed to exceed the needs and expectations of family, friends, co-workers, and guests of all ages. The company is noted for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team that is reinventing the modern club experience. Headquarters: 8343 Douglas Avenue, Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75225. Phone: (214) 722-6000. Website: arcisgolf.com.