Institute receives boost from Sergio, Singh, Dye
By Michael Lednovich
ANAHEIM, CALIF.
For more than four years, the public face and private support for the Environmental Institute for Golf has been steadied on the broad shoulders of World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman.
In 2003, Norman donated $500,000 to the institute and agreed to become chairman of the organization’s advisory council. His ‘star power’ gave the institute immediate credibility in fundraising and in recruiting participants.
Now, Norman has help, with the announcement at the Golf Industry Show that PGA Tour pros Vijay Singh and Sergio Garcia, along with legendary golf course designer Pete Dye, will join him as advisory council members.
In addition to their participation, the three have pledged their design fees from a golf course development project in Dubai. The donation totals $590,000 and will fund several institute projects.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA and funds $1 million in environmental programs, including scientific research, education, information collection, outreach and scholarships.
“Greg Norman gave the institute an incredible shot in the arm with his donation and participation. Now for the first time, the institute has been able to attract three extraordinary men of high caliber en masse,” said Steve Mona, chief executive officer of the GCSAA. “This is by far the biggest contribution we’ve received. Previously, Greg Norman has been our highest-profile member. With the addition of this group, it takes us to another level.” Bill Kubly, the chairman of the institute’s board of trustees, was ecstatic over the announcement.
“Having Vijay, Sergio and Pete means we can do even more amazing things,” Kubly said. “We really have something to say and sell now. People are embracing our organization and stepping up to the plate. They’re realizing that they can make a difference.” Gaining traction in the public arena has been difficult for the environmental golf movement, which relied on Norman serving as the lone voice for the effort. The addition of Singh, Garcia and Dye means the organization’s star power has been given a high-octane boost.
“These are guys who constantly have cameras and microphones in front of them,” said Brian Stevens, a spokesman for Norman’s Jupiter, Fla.-based Great White Shark Enterprises. “That means they can push this movement forward even more so.” Kubly added that attracting such luminaries as Singh, Garcia and Dye was critical to moving forward.
“It narrows the universe,” he said. “Stars will attract other stars. It all started with Greg. This will open the floodgates for others to become involved.” The institute also announced that Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has agreed to serve a second three-year term on the advisory council.
Bin Sulayem is the chairman of Dubai World, which is developing Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring four environmentally friendly golf courses named Earth, Fire, Water and Wind.
Norman is the designer on Fire and Earth, while Water is being designed by Singh and Wind is a collaborative effort between Dye, Garcia, Singh and Norman. The donation is coming from the design fees associated with this project.
Mona said the institute’s research funding is focusing on applied research.
“We’re looking at solutions to problems that are occurring on golf courses today,” Mona said.
It was a week of momentum-building for the institute, which received a number of grants from other companies.
Officials from Swing Juice, an energy drink developed by an avid golfer, said it will donate to the institute 15 cents for every bottle it sells for the next three years.
“We are absolutely thrilled about our partnership with the institute,” said Jon Mason, CEO of Sports Energy Distribution LLC (the parent company of Swing Juice) and founder of Swing Juice Energy Drink. “With the continued support for and excitement about our product, we look forward to making a lasting impact on the golf industry and the environment.”
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Energy Drink will help fund Environmental Programs
The Institute creates new donor program with Swing Juice
Lincoln, RI 2/24/07- Swing Juice, an energy drink developed by an avid golfer, and The Environmental Institute for Golf, have reached an agreement that will result in the development and funding of environmental programs for the golf industry.
The three-year commitment calls for Swing Juice to donate a portion of sales revenues to The Institute. The Institute’s logo, Web site address and a statement that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Institute will be included on each bottle.
Swing Juice is an energy drink designed with a specific blend of ingredients to help with an athletes focus, stamina and energy ahead of and during competition. It is also a healthier choice than most other energy drinks and sports drinks by containing less caffeine, less sugar and no sodium. For a list of ingredients and more information, including how to order, visit www.swingjuice.com.
“We are absolutely thrilled about our partnership with the Institute. With the continued support for and excitement about our product, we look forward to making a lasting impact on the golf industry and the environment.” said Jon Mason, CEO of Sports Energy Distribution, LLC (the parent company of Swing Juice) and Founder of Swing Juice Energy Drink.
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. "We are pleased to partner with Swing Juice," said Institute Chairman Bill Kubly. "The company has shown a strong commitment to the game and a desire to give back to it. We look forward to a longstanding relationship." For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
"Swing Juice is marketed toward golfers," said Rafael Martinez, President of Sports Energy Distribution, LLC. "By assisting The Institute with these donations, Swing Juice and its customers will be contributing to the very necessary research, education and outreach to enhance environmental stewardship on the golf course."
Swing Juice was first introduced in April 2005 at the American Express Luxury Summit at Kiawah Island, SC. It officially launched in September 2005 at the PGA Fall Expo in Las Vegas and was voted on as one of the Hottest New Products at the show. It was also featured as a Premium Golf Energy Drink on the course for several professional golf events in 2006 as well as in 2007, including the Sony Open in Hawaii, Turtle Bay Championship and the SBS Open. Swing Juice was also featured at hospitality venues during the U.S. Open at Winged Foot and the Women's U.S. Open at Newport Country Club.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Energy Drink will help fund Environmental Programs
The Institute creates new donor program with Swing Juice
Lincoln, RI 2/24/07- Swing Juice, an energy drink developed by an avid golfer, and The Environmental Institute for Golf, have reached an agreement that will result in the development and funding of environmental programs for the golf industry.
The three-year commitment calls for Swing Juice to donate a portion of sales revenues to The Institute. The Institute’s logo, Web site address and a statement that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Institute will be included on each bottle.
Swing Juice is an energy drink designed with a specific blend of ingredients to help with an athletes focus, stamina and energy ahead of and during competition. It is also a healthier choice than most other energy drinks and sports drinks by containing less caffeine, less sugar and no sodium. For a list of ingredients and more information, including how to order, visit www.swingjuice.com.
“We are absolutely thrilled about our partnership with the Institute. With the continued support for and excitement about our product, we look forward to making a lasting impact on the golf industry and the environment.” said Jon Mason, CEO of Sports Energy Distribution, LLC (the parent company of Swing Juice) and Founder of Swing Juice Energy Drink.
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. "We are pleased to partner with Swing Juice," said Institute Chairman Bill Kubly. "The company has shown a strong commitment to the game and a desire to give back to it. We look forward to a longstanding relationship." For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
"Swing Juice is marketed toward golfers," said Rafael Martinez, President of Sports Energy Distribution, LLC. "By assisting The Institute with these donations, Swing Juice and its customers will be contributing to the very necessary research, education and outreach to enhance environmental stewardship on the golf course."
Swing Juice was first introduced in April 2005 at the American Express Luxury Summit at Kiawah Island, SC. It officially launched in September 2005 at the PGA Fall Expo in Las Vegas and was voted on as one of the Hottest New Products at the show. It was also featured as a Premium Golf Energy Drink on the course for several professional golf events in 2006 as well as in 2007, including the Sony Open in Hawaii, Turtle Bay Championship and the SBS Open. Swing Juice was also featured at hospitality venues during the U.S. Open at Winged Foot and the Women's U.S. Open at Newport Country Club.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
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