By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The Pelham-based Dixie PGA Section and its Golf In Schools program, led by executive director Bart Rottier, was recently spotlighted on the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive March 9 in celebration of the PGA of America’s Centennial.

In celebration of its 100-year anniversary, Rottier said the PGA of America partnered with the Golf Channel to shine a spotlight on all 41 PGA Sections. It was a chance for those sections to discuss their history and featured programs.

“Being the PGA, the Golf Channel is a huge outlet for us,” he said. “To be on there and kind of tell our story is always a good thing.”

The Golf In Schools program, founded and directed by PGA Professional Ty Andersen, has been introducing golf to students in local elementary and middle schools for about 16 years through a program called “Building Swings 4 a Lifetime.”

Anderson teaches golf to the students at no cost, sparking an interest in kids that leads them to after-school programs at his facility, Highland Oaks Golf Course in Dothan.

He started the program in 15 schools and eventually worked his way up to single-handedly working with 20 to 25 schools, reaching thousands of kids. One of his primary goals in maintaining the program is teaching fellow PGA professionals to duplicate the curriculum in their nearby schools.

Andersen’s model has become the official Golf In Schools program for the entire Dixie PGA Section.

Rottier said the Pelham-based section is trying to branch out into more schools in the surrounding area. The exposure on the Golf Channel was a positive opportunity for their efforts.

“All 41 sections across the United States, it’s a great opportunity for all of us to get the word out about PGA of America and PGA golfers,” he said. “Just to try and grow the game of golf.”

The PGA section spotlights are scheduled to air through May 4, spanning 100 days in honor of the Centennial.

“In celebrating our centennial, we want to honor our 28,000 men and women PGA professionals in all PGA sections across the country,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “Each day, they’re growing the game and using golf to better lives in their communities, as evidenced by efforts like those of the Dixie PGA Section. We’re very proud of these PGA Professionals and look forward to highlighting their efforts this year.”