founding . . .
In the winter of 2019, “Dr. T” (Jim Therrell) woke up in the middle of the night, startled, with a vision to create a chipping contest. Odd as that sounds, he quickly grabbed his laptop and cranked out the first four pages of content and structure, with the goal of reaching the Golf Channel — all in order to raise funds for children’s charity.
After gaining non-profit (501(c)3) and tax-exempt status as the U.S. Chipping Golf Association (US-CGA), Dr. Therrell scheduled the first-ever chipping fundraiser, “The Central Michigan Chipping Championship” in Mt. Pleasant MI, at the Pohlcat Golf Course.
Coming soon the YouTube video of 1st event!
With help from Dan Pohl (course designer, 2-time PGA winner, runner-up at the Masters, member of ’87 Ryder Cup Team), and the generosity of sponsors during a pandemic, this first event donated the net proceeds of $1,000 (same model as the PGA) to the junior golf program at the Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation Department.
A small beginning, an exciting championship, and now others are already coming on board. . .
Dr. Jim Therrell, Founder / Executive Director
BIO: Father, professor, former pro-athlete and
pilot
staff at U.S. Senate
biked round the world in 80 days
(with help from Pan Am Air))
became a teacher
(with K-1 kids, high school, college, and grad school)
Masters in Recreation Administration
Ph.D. & tenure (Curriculum & Instruction)
Director, Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching
(Central Michigan University)
elected as National Board Member, POD
(Professional Organizational Development in Higher Ed)
Winner, National Innovation Award (POD)
hole-in-one, 2010 (only took 50 years))