18Birdies to Sponsor Golf Coaches Association of America
18Birdies to serve as presenting sponsor for the GCAA Team Academic Awards
OAKLAND, Calif., – April 30, 2018 – Mobile golf technology startup, 18Birdies, today announced that it is sponsoring the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and will be the exclusive title sponsor for the annual GCAA Team Academic Awards, beginning this year. At this year’s GCAA National Convention in Las Vegas, 18Birdies will present the award to the Academic National Champions in each division (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, NJCAA DI, NJCAA DII).
“We’re very excited to be supporting the next generation of elite golfers through the GCAA,” said 18Birdies CEO, Eddy Lui. “At 18Birdies, we understand that today’s collegiate golfers are tomorrow’s influencers, who will help grow the game and are proud of the work that the GCAA has done in recognizing and promoting them.”
Every year, the GCAA honors the top academic team from each NCAA Division at the annual GCCA National Convention. In 2017, a total of 187 teams with an average team GPA of 3.00 or higher submitted themselves for the award. In addition to the top team award, teams with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher receive the President’s Special Recognition status. Founded in 1958, the GCAA has been dedicated to supporting its member coaches through providing educational opportunities and resources and recognizing coach and student-athlete achievements.
18Birdies has been the fastest growing golf app since launching at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show with over 900,000 users and has been committed to meeting the needs of today’s college and high school programs beginning with bringing on GCAA Hall of Famer and current Stanford men’s head golf coach, Conrad Ray, as a strategic advisor.
"The GCAA is pleased to partner with 18birdies for the Team Academic Awards," said GCAA President Andrew Sapp. "Our association is proud to highlight the academic accomplishments of our programs, especially those Academic National Champions and President's Special Recognition honorees. We're excited that 18birdies is collaborating with us on this endeavor but also supporting programs throughout the GCAA."
About 18Birdies
18Birdies is reimagining the world of golf through technology, transforming the way golf is played, experienced and perceived, and building a more diverse, positive and relevant golf community. Our offerings are making golf more fun, engaging, and inclusive for golfers; more efficient and productive for courses; and providing access to a large engaged community for partners. For more information, visit www.18birdies.com.
About the GCAA
Established in 1958, the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) is the professional organization of golf coaches. The GCAA's mission is to support its member coaches by creating educational opportunities, providing resources, and promoting its members with the purpose of enhancing their overall performance as coaches, mentors, and teachers. The GCAA also recognizes the excellence and achievements of its members and their student-athletes in academic, athletic and civic endeavors.