IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2005
Contact: Jamie Carbone
561-624-8446
BALTIMORE RAVENS’ THOMAS HOSTS CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT, PLAY GOLF AMERICA EVENT
Ravens Players and Local Youth Receive Golf Instruction from Top PGA Professionals
JOPPA, Md. – Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas recently hosted the Second Annual Adalius Thomas S.L.A.S.H. Fund Golf Tournament at Mountain Branch Golf Course in Joppa, Md., and also teamed up with The PGA of America to incorporate a Play Golf America program into the tournament.
Prior to teeing off, approximately 10 Ravens players and 15 local youth involved in the S.L.A.S.H. (Sportsman Lifting Academics and Sponsoring Hope) Fund to improve inner city education attended an instructional session with local PGA Professionals.
“We’re glad The PGA of America and Play Golf America were out here,” said Thomas. “I know the kids had a great time learning golf, and my teammates were glad to get some help with their game. Golf is a great sport because it’s just you and nature. You can come out, play and relax, and enjoy being outside. Even if you don’t play well, it’s still fun. Golf teaches discipline and patience, but it’s also a great business tool, and a great way to spend time with other people.”
Ravens players participating included: Thomas; retired defensive lineman Tony Siragusa; defensive backs Calvin Carlyle and Will Demps; wide receiver Mark Clayton; offensive lineman Tony Pashos; and tight end Daniel Wilcox, among others.
PGA Professionals from the Middle Atlantic PGA Section providing instruction included: Mark Evenson of the Suburban Club of Baltimore County in Pikesville, Md.; Dave Hutsell, Joe Franz and Kathy Franz, all of Elkridge Club in Baltimore; Bill Gombert and Allen Wronowski of Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix, Md.; Mike Healy of Country Club of Maryland in Towson, Md.; and Mike Norton of Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air, Md.
“We all had a lot of fun out here today,” said Wronowski. “Adalius put on a great tournament for a great cause, and we’re happy to be involved. We saw a lot of improvement from everyone, and I’m certain we recruited some young new golfers.”
Play Golf America is a national, industry-wide initiative to increase golf participation in the United States. Consumers can log on to www.playgolfamerica.com to find local golf opportunities and programs in their area.
The S.L.A.S.H. Fund is a non-profit organization that exists to improve education for youth in the Baltimore area. Its mission extends across many levels by supporting and nurturing multiple programs from both financial and mentoring positions.
The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf, while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women golf professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.
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