Prince George’s County Native and Professional Golfer Got His Start in the Game with First Tee-GWDC
Washington, D.C. – April 23, 2025 – First Tee-Greater Washington, DC has signed a one-year sponsorship agreement with Marcus Byrd, professional golfer and alum of the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC, local chapter of the national non-profit youth development organization.
The agreement includes First Tee-Greater Washington, DC logo placement on the A-panel of Byrd’s tour bag which will be used when he’s competing in professional tournaments plus appearances at three local events: Politics and Pros outing on July 21 at Army Navy Country Club, Arlington; Larry Byrd Memorial Junior Golf Clinic featuring Marcus Byrd at Langston Golf Course on July 22; and a third event to be determined.
“We’re proud to partner with Marcus who’s one of our most successful alumni golfers,” said Clint Sanchez, Executive Director of First Tee-Greater Washington, DC. “Marcus was involved with our Chapter for many years where he made lifelong friendships and developed his golf skills as well as his life and leadership skills.”
Byrd, 27, joined First Tee-Greater Washington, DC at age nine, taking classes at both historic Langston Golf Course and Henson Creek Golf Course. The program was more than just golf to him as his father hosted First Tee classes at the family’s driving range, making it a deeply personal part of his upbringing.
“I’m proud to partner with First Tee-Greater Washington, DC,” said Byrd. “My Dad introduced me to the game, and First Tee shaped how I play it, and how I carry myself. Langston will always feel like home, and Henson Creek was just as meaningful, especially with my Dad helping bring the program to life. I’m honored to be an example of what the next generation can become.”
In 2011, as a high school freshman at North Point High School in Waldorf, MD, Byrd earned 2nd place in the Maryland High School State Golf Championship. Following that season, he and his mother moved to Georgia so he could play and practice in nicer weather and face better competition. He was named the 2013 Georgia State Golf Association Junior Player of the Year while at Dunwood High School.
Following high school, Byrd earned a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University where he played on the golf team all four years. During his senior season in 2018-2019, he won two tournaments and was named Conference USA’s Player of the Year. After graduation, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Byrd worked a regular job for two years before picking up the sticks again and pursuing a full-time career as a professional golfer.
Since then, he’s competed on the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour as well as select PGA TOUR events including the 2023 Genesis Invitational where Tiger Woods awarded him the Charlie Sifford Exemption and the 2024 RSM Classic where he Monday qualified. In addition, he has status on the PGA TOUR Americas Tour where he recently has competed in tournaments in Argentina and Brazil.
About First Tee-Greater Washington, DC
First Tee-Greater Washington, DC is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. In 2024, the chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee-Greater Washington, DC impacts more than 200,000 young people each year through programs delivered at 25 program locations, 300 schools and 30 community partners throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD. Learn more at firstteedc.org.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrated its 25th anniversary and has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair. Learn more at firsttee.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Palmer Moody
Sr. Director of Communications and Advancement
First Tee-Greater Washington DC
847.804.2721 mobile