PGA donates $30,000 to MCC on behalf of Ryder Cup Capt. Azinger

MANATEE — Manatee Community College is hoping to use $30,000 donated by the PGA on behalf of 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Capt. Paul Azinger to offer golf classes next fall.

“The PGA is trying to market golf and really trying to bring people into the world of golf,” said Mike Riley, director of athletics at MCC, after the college’s board met Wednesday at MCC’s Lakewood Ranch campus. “What we’re planning is to establish beginning golf for students in the community.”

Although Riley is still looking for sites with a driving range and a golf course, he said he is hoping to offer the program next fall at MCC’s Bradenton and Venice campuses.

It will include instruction on social skills that are part of the game, which is important for those studying business because deals are often hatched on the greens, said Riley.

Manatee Community College, with close to 11,000 students, is among giants like The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Arizona in receiving part of the $2.6 million for colleges and universities, charities and foundations designated by Azinger and other members of the team, according to the PGA. The PGA donated $200,000 to charity for Azinger and each member of the team.

“We want to make the most of this opportunity,” said MCC President Lars A. Hafner on Wednesday. “It puts us up with a lot of elite colleges.”

He said Azinger’s daughter attends MCC. Other colleges Azinger contributed to included Florida State University and Samford University, which both got $30,000 each.

Sara Kennedy, Bradenton Herald reporter, can be reached at (941) 708-7908.