LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – An effort to revitalize Seneca Golf Course, a fixture of the Louisville golf landscape since 1934, got a major boost at Valhalla Golf Club on Wednesday, when the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the association’s charitable foundation, announced it will donate $250,000 to the course through the PGA Places to Play program.
The REACH foundation is dedicated to making golf more accessible, while the Places to Play program aims to create new opportunities to support facilities and sustain affordable access to the game for a diverse range of players.
Further bolstering the PGA gift, Valhalla’s ownership group – Jimmy Kirchdorfer, David Novak, Junior Bridgeman and Ches Musselman) and the Valhalla membership will match that donation to aid in renovations, with the goal of setting the course on a solid footing for years to come. Valhalla is playing host to this week's PGA Championship.
Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg was among those on hand for the check presentations on Wednesday.
The pair of donations will provide one third of the estimated $1.5 million to renovate the course, including the following projects
-- Renovation of the part-3 course to optimize playability and access
-- Building a new indoor practice facility, allowing for year-round youth programming
-- Upgrading and modernizing the driving range for increased use
-- Creating a new putting course
The Kentucky PGA and Louisville Parks and Recreation submitted the course for consideration.
“PGA Places To Play is a pillar within the PGA of America REACH Foundation because we consider it our responsibility to help improve and solidify community facilities that invite individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to this great game,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “The City of Louisville has been an avid supporter of the PGA of America over the years and now we are proud to play a small part in ensuring that a historic place such as Seneca Golf Course has the ability to serve the local community for many more generations to come.”
"The Seneca Golf Course par 3 course and driving range are vital community assets, serving as accessible venues for golf enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels in our community," said Kentucky PGA Section Executive Director Sally Morgan, PGA. "We couldn't be more appreciative of the PGA Places To Play program as we aim to enhance the overall golfing experience for residents and visitors alike."
PGA Places To Play is supported by a $14 million endowment fund of contributions to the Foundation’s DRIVE IT FURTHER Capital Campaign, which annually provides three grants of $250,000 to selected facilities.
“Seneca Golf Course has a storied history in the Louisville community and we are exceptionally proud to join the PGA of America REACH Foundation and match the PGA Places To Play donation,” Valhalla co-owner Jimmy Kirchdorfer said. “On behalf of Valhalla Golf Club, thank you to the PGA of America for the charitable efforts made in Louisville. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our community for years to come.”
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