The Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - The Honda Classic has traditionally benefited South Florida children's charities and 2007 isn't any different with the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation slated to be the tournament's primary beneficiary.

Now the tournament is adding several other programs and activities designed to increase the involvement of kids and promote a local youth movement toward the game of golf.

Local high school and youth golfers are being invited to participate in a Standard Bearer's Program that will allow them to walk with their parents inside the ropes during the Honda Classic's final two rounds on March 3 and March 4. Anyone interested in participating in the Standard Bearer's Program can contact Penny Waugh at the tournament office at 561-799-4602.

A Junior Clinic will be conducted by trick shot masters Peter Jonke and Dennis Walters on Saturday March 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Kids under 15 will be admitted free to the tournament the entire week when accompanied by an adult.

The Honda Classic will participate in a joint venture with PGA of America to fund the local introduction of the First Tee National School Program. Equipment will be provided for the addition of golf as part of the curriculum at 50 Palm Beach County elementary and middle schools over the next three years. The program is expected to introduce the game of golf to 35,000 local kids.

The Nicklaus Children's Hospital Fan Zone at the Honda Classic will include several activities for kids throughout tournament week including magic shows, inflatable games, a rock wall, putting green, swing analysis, and a fishing experience.

Youth golfers will also be able to test the latest golf equipment at the Play Golf America Expo.

"We are acknowledging that we have a responsibility to promote this game to children," Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said. "The more that they can understand what this game is all about, the better that will be for the future of golf. We want to create the opportunity for families to come out and get involved with our tournament and get enthusiastic about golf."

Kennerly learned first-hand the impact that professional golfers can have on kids when PGA TOUR pro Duffy Waldorf stayed at his home during the 2003 Honda Classic. Waldorf sat down with Kennerly's kids and let them paint his golf balls. He used them in his tournament round the next day and made seven birdies with the kids watching.

"The kids were counting how many birdies he was making with each of their balls," Kennerly said. "He made four with my son's ball and three with my daughter's ball. They were counting and having a competition with each other."

And they have had a deep interest in golf ever since.

Kennerly hopes the increased programs for kids at The Honda Classic leads to the same result for many young area golfers.

"Everyone in the golf business has a responsibility to protect and grow the game of golf and there is no better audience than to promote the game to the future players - the kids," Kennerly said. "Giving back to the game and bringing these great opportunities to kids will build their enthusiasm which will lead to more players."

The First Tee National School Program is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation. The program has impacted more than 490,000 students at 1,100 elementary schools nationwide in its first three years. Middle schools will be added to the list in 2007-08.

The golf curriculum is taught during physical education classes. Teachers are trained and provided with all of the equipment they need to implement the program. Then golf community professionals provide teachers with information on opportunities for the kids to play and be involved with golf in their community. They also often visit schools and conduct clinics and other programs designed to enhance the instruction taking place in the physical education classes. The hope is that students will recognize golf as a lifelong recreation and physical fitness activity.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2007 Honda Classic and are available in several packages. The Classic Pak includes daily grounds credentials and coupons for more than $150 in savings at PGA National including a complimentary round of golf. The cost is $75. Individual daily tickets can be purchased for $15 (Tuesday and Wednesday), $25 (Thursday and Friday) or $35 (Saturday and Sunday).

Call 1-866-8HONDA8 (866-846-6328) to order tickets or visit thehondaclassic.com.

Special hospitality packages are also available for The Champions Club (18th hole), the Clubhouse (Member's Clubhouse) and The Bear Trap (17th hole).  Call Joanie Connors at 561-799-4619 to order hospitality packages.