Ford and Visteon Partner in Renovating Belle Isle Golf Course
13 November 1997
Ford and Visteon Partners in Renovation of Belle Isle Golf Course And Development of Youth Golf Training Center
DETROIT, Nov. 13 -- Ford Motor Company and Visteon
Automotive Systems will support the renovation of the Belle Isle golf course
to make way for a unique golf program that will include a youth training
center. Ford's and Visteon's contribution will transform the existing nine-
hole course into a state-of-the-art facility that will provide outstanding
golf instruction, as well as playing opportunities for youth.
The Belle Isle renovations are the local component of The First Tee
program, developed by the World Golf Foundation (WGF), to create first-class
golf facilities that will focus on bringing the world of golf into the hearts
and homes of kids. The partnership between Ford, Visteon, the City of
Detroit, and the WGF has made it possible to bring this program to Detroit.
The WGF is a part of the PGA TOUR.
"Positive things happen when we give young people opportunities to grow,"
said Alex Trotman, chairman and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company.
"I am very proud that Ford, and the other participants have come together to
bring this outstanding program to the youth of metropolitan Detroit."
The partnership created between Ford and the city was under the direct
leadership of Mayor Dennis Archer and Recreation Department Director Ernest
Burkeen. The Mayor praised Ford's role in past projects and its continued
dedication to positive change.
"This is another example of the public/private partnership with the City
of Detroit joining together with Ford Motor Company to do something positive,"
said Freeman Hendrix, chief of staff to the Mayor of Detroit. "The Mayor is
committed to creating positive options for the youth of Detroit."
"Ford Motor Company, which has been a champion for golf-related charity
efforts in the Detroit metropolitan area through its sponsorship of the Ford
Senior Players Championship, is again taking a leadership role with The First
Tee," said PGA TOUR commissioner and WGF chairman Tim Finchem. "We will be
able to hold up the Ford/Detroit/Belle Isle program as a model for other
cities and companies to follow in making the game of golf affordable and
accessible for all segments of our population."
The renovation of the Belle Isle golf course will begin immediately. The
plans are to have the practice facility and driving range up and running by
next year with the completion of the golf course to follow.
The new facility will not only offer a challenging nine-hole course to
experienced players, but allow the children of Detroit and surrounding
communities a place to learn the game of golf. As part of the renovations of
the Belle Isle golf course, a youth training center will be added to attract
young adults who are eager to learn the game of golf. The center will include
a driving range, a short course and a putting green.
"Every child deserves a chance to enjoy quality recreational
opportunities," said Charles Szuluk, president, Visteon Automotive Systems.
"We're delighted to be part of the effort to bring The First Tee program to
Detroit."
Attending today's announcement, at the Detroit Athletic Club, were former
President George Bush, an advocate of the WGF who shared in the announcement
in New York; Governor John Engler; Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR commissioner and WGF
chairman; Judy Bell, president of the United States Golf Association; and Earl
Woods, chairman of the Tiger Woods Foundation.
Earl Woods expressed his son's strong support of the project and indicated
that the Tiger Woods Foundation and Tiger Woods would increase their
involvement once the facility was in place.
The WGF will be providing instructional programs, operating funds, and
guidance to ensure the ongoing success of the program once the facility is in
place.
Ford Motor Company is the world's largest producer of trucks, the second
largest automotive manufacturer and the seventh largest company, employing
more than 370,000 people.
Visteon Automotive Systems, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company, has
78,000 employees located in 74 plants, including 29 joint venture facilities,
and 30 sales offices, engineering and technical centers in 19 countries around
the world. As a global enterprise with nearly a century of experience,
Visteon is working to become the leading automotive supplier in the world.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
