Nike Golf Auction a Success for the First Tee

When you think of collectible golf clubs, you probably think of old, rough-hewn, pockmarked metal heads on hickory shafts. Not John Young. The recent retiree from New York who has settled in Sunset Beach, SC is the proud owner of a gleaming new set of Nike Forged Irons - but not just any set. These are the very first set of production set of irons ever made by Nike Golf.

For his winning bid of $7,000 in the auction co-sponsored by The Golf Channel and www.thegolfchannel.com, Mr. Young won the right to do what he wishes with the first set - 3-iron through pitching wedge - and he plans to display them prominently and proudly.

Other Nike Golf items, including a Nike Forged Titanium Driver, two Nike Forged Wedges, a Nike Tour Staff Bag, and a gross of the not-yet-available Double C golf balls split evenly between the Tour and Distance models, brought in an additional $1,857.95.

The real winner was the First Tee Foundation, which will receive every penny of Mr. Young's winning bid as well as the winning offers for the additional items. "We are very appreciative of Nike Golf and The Golf Channel for their efforts in aligning the promotion of Nike Golf's first production set of irons with The First Tee," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., National Director of The First Tee. "We're delighted with the success of the promotion and the significant contribution to The First Tee."

The First Tee is a World Golf Foundation initiative dedicated to providing affordable golf access for everyone, especially kids, who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play.