TGA Premier Golf Launches New Youth Sports Franchise in Phoenix

Former ad executive brings introductory golf programs to area schools and community centers

(Phoenix, AZ) – A successful national grassroots effort to bolster the future of golf continues as TGA Premier Golf, the fastest growing introductory junior golf program adds a new franchise chapter in one of the top golf markets in the country.

Burke Noonan, a former advertising sales and marketing executive, is the most recent entrepreneur to invest in a TGA Premier Sports franchise. He plans to deliver introductory and recreational golf programs at schools, community centers and golf courses in East Phoenix, starting with the communities of Chandler and Gilbert.

“My dream for many years has been to be a business owner, coach kids and be around the game of golf as much as possible,” Noonan said. “So when I was researching opportunities in the golf industry and came upon TGA, I knew that this could be what I was looking for. And it was! I was burned out on 25 years of corporate life and was ready to do what I wanted to do, which was build my own business. The fact that I am also impacting youth and growing golf for the future is an added bonus.”

TGA’s (Teach, Grow, Achieve) unique program solves the main barriers to entry by delivering introductory golf programs directly at schools and community centers through before- or after-school enrichment programs. The self-sustaining, no funding needed, business model puts golf on a level playing field with other mainstream sports and creates a healthier and safer environment for students to be introduced to and learn golf. What differentiates TGA is the station-based curriculum that includes golf skill progression, education subjects and STEAM Labs, as well as physical fitness and health components.

TGA has also created the Player Pathway, the first of its kind in the industry, which is having a major economic impact on its more than 250 golf course partners nationwide. Once the students go through the introductory programs, TGA transitions them and their families from the school to partner golf courses through recreational programs such as camps, leagues and parent-child events, which results in increased traffic and revenues through green fees, food/beverage, and merchandise sales.

Finally, through its own line of youth golf equipment, TGA provides age and height customized equipment for all students at no cost, as well as an affordable option for parents to get them into the game.

“Golf is truly a sport that can be played for a lifetime and can open many doors as the child grows up and throughout adulthood,” Noonan said. “We want to create a new generation of golfers and change lives through the game.”

TGA’s golf franchises have now grown to 62 markets across the nation serving more than 3,300 schools and introducing over 650,000 youth (ages 5-13) to the game.

For more information about TGA Premier Golf, visit www.playtga.com or follow @TGAJuniorGolf on Twitter.