ORLANDO, Fla. – NBC Sports Next’s round-up technology, which raised more than $1 million for charity in 2021, will help generate funds through its TeeOff tee-time booking platform throughout February for the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association (OMYGA).
The OMYGA, which has served the Orlando, Fla., community since 1991 was founded by Dr. T.J. Dorsey, who continues to guide the organization’s mission to help build character and life opportunities among inner city and urban minority youth through golf. Beginning today and running through the end of the month, TeeOff will allow anyone booking a golf tee time through the online service the opportunity to round up the total cost of the reservation to an even-dollar figure. For example, if the cost of a tee time totals $37.45, the golfer can elect to round up the cost to $38, donating the additional $0.55 to OMYGA.
“We’ve found a great partner in NBC Sports Next and share their responsibility to help grow the game by making golf more accessible to everyone,” said Dorsey. “We’re excited about all the opportunities this round-up campaign will present by helping us equip kids with the skills that not only will help them succeed in golf, but also in life.”
TeeOff’s online tee time marketplace connects millions of golfers with tee times at golf courses worldwide. The round-up campaign is a part of Better Together, a community impact initiative supported by NBC Sports Next. Similar round-up campaigns on GolfNow have helped raise funds for Youth on Course and the non-profit organizations aided by the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative.
“As the golf course industry’s technology leader, we’re not only finding innovative ways to help our golf course partners succeed but also using our know-how to help organizations like the OMYGA further its mission,” said Jerramy Hainline, senior vice president and general manager, Golf, NBC Sports Next. “We’re honored to partner with OMYGA and excited to launch this round-up campaign to promote diversity and more accessibility within the game.”
OMYGA students learn both skills required to succeed on the golf course and in life, including self-discipline, self-motivation, self-esteem, self-control and self-direction. The organization has produced both high school and college student athletes, as well as the first African-American World Long Drive Champion. Maurice Allen, seen regularly on World Long Drive competitions on GOLF Channel, is one of the more decorated OMYGA alumni and continues to return to Orlando to teach and provide guidance for OMYGA students.