Fort Smith, Ar

The construction of a $2 million, 49 acre First Tee golf course in Fort Smith, Arkansas has been awarded to Glen Day and Alan Blalock Golf Design. "The First Tee mission is to provide affordable golf access and teaching programs to kids 17 and under," said Blalock whose Birmingham-based golf course design firm is tackling such projects as Moore's Mill Golf Club in Auburn, the Tartan Pines Golf Community in Enterprise, and the redesign of the Vestavia Country Club in Alabama.

The facility will feature a full practice range, a full short game practice area and six short course holes. Also included in the Fort Smith project is the Jack Stephens Youth Golf Academy that will provide an indoor training facility to be used for cold or rainy days. Students will actually be able to tee off of mats located inside the classroom.

The World Golf Foundation will grant $100,000 to kick start a First Tee project after an organization attains non profit status, acquires the property, establishes community support and submits plans and budgets to the Foundation. For more information about First Tee programs contact representatives from the PGA Tour, PGA of America, USGA, LPGA and Augusta National Golf Club.