FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

David Toms Academy to Open August 2013 60-Acre Facility Will Be One of a Kind

Shreveport, La. – David Toms is fulfilling a long-awaited dream that has nothing to do with adding another trophy to his 13 PGA Tour titles. For several years it has been a goal for Toms to build a state-of-the-art golf practice facility and youth academy in his hometown of Shreveport. That dream is becoming a reality as construction is well underway for the David Toms Academy, which will also be known as “265.”

“I am so excited about the plans we have,” said Toms. “I really believe we are creating a special place that will help a lot of children. I’ve always wanted a facility in Shreveport that would serve as a destination for golfers from all over the South, and I think we are well on our way.”

The 60-acre golf facility is scheduled to open in August 2013 just off Bert Kouns Loop in the heart of Shreveport. The facility will be owned and operated by the David Toms Foundation, a non-profit that has awarded over $3.6 million in grants over the past 10 years.

“We have given so much thought and planning into every aspect of this project,” Toms said. “Our model required that our facility be in a prime location and we are fortunate to be where we are.”

The name “265,” which is also visible in the logo, derived from Toms’ winning score at the 2001 PGA Championship. His score of 265 still stands as the lowest aggregate total in major golf championship history. 265 was also Toms’ winning score for his first PGA Tour win (1997 Quad Cities Classic) and his most recent Tour win (2011 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial).

The Academy will include a 9-hole par 3 course, a massive driving range spanning 18 acres with over 2 ½ acres in teeing space, 8 greens dedicated to putting and chipping, and three regulation holes (par 3, 4 and 5). Noted golf course architect and Shreveport resident Jim Lipe has been working hand in hand with Toms on the design of the facility. Lipe, who has over 25 years of golf course architecture experience as a senior designer for Jack Nicklaus, has helped shaped the 60 acres into a golf oasis despite the property’s location in the middle of a metropolitan area. Phase two of the complex will include a state of the art clubhouse with three indoor hitting bays, the latest video equipment, fitness center and youth achievement center.

“David has been a shining example of what a PGA TOUR player can do to help make his community a better place,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “He has selflessly utilized his success as a golf professional to the benefit of countless individuals through his leadership and charitable work. The David Toms Academy will continue this tradition and will have a great impact on many young lives in Shreveport.”

The David Toms Academy will be affiliated with The First Tee of Northwest Louisiana and will work with children from all backgrounds. Plans call for the Academy to work with over 400 children a year.

The First Tee Chief Executive Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is excited about a new facility geared to positively impact young people and grow the game.

“Partnerships like the one with David Toms Foundation have been critical to the development and growth of our chapters’ outreach in their communities,” said Barrow, Jr. “David has been a longtime supporter of The First Tee and this Academy further facilitates his role and dedication to making a difference in the community.”

“265” is being constructed by funds raised from like-minded organizations and individuals who are committed to Toms’ vision. Once the facility is operational, private memberships will make the David Toms Academy a self-sustaining facility that will not rely on grants or outside funding.

“We could have built just a regular driving range at any number of locations over the past few years,” Toms said. “However, I didn’t want to build anything that would not be self-sustaining. We know that if we build a first class facility and run it correctly, it will run like a business and it will be successful.” The first major development for the David Toms Foundation came when a group of Shreveport businessmen, led by Toms, donated the initial 45 acres for the project. The Foundation then purchased the adjacent 15 acres to give it the space necessary for all the amenities.

The David Toms Foundation is the driving force behind the Academy. The foundation helps underprivileged, abused and abandoned children through funding programs that are designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities. The foundation has been in existence since 2003, and has been cited by the Wall Street Journal for its exemplary ratio of money given to charity vs. expenses.

“265” will teach the proper etiquette, rules, history, and traditions of the game of golf to area youth. It’s Toms’ belief that the Academy will improve children’s life skills through self-esteem, integrity, sportsmanship, and responsibility. PGA teaching professionals will be on staff at the facility to instruct youth on the fundamentals of golf and to promote exercise and healthy lifestyles.

265 also plans to bring in “Top 100” instructors throughout the year for clinics and lessons. The Academy will draw golfers from all areas.

“We are thrilled that after so much success, David continues to give back to his home state, especially as we focus on golf and other outdoor recreation in Louisiana’s tourism landscape,” Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne said. “The David Toms Academy, along with the Audubon Golf Trail, are premier facilities sure to draw golf enthusiasts to our state.”

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For More Information: Adam Young David Toms Foundation (318) 798-5437 office [email protected]