Washington, D.C. – May 28, 2026 – First Tee-Greater Washington, DC announced it has signed a one-year sponsorship agreement with Marcus Byrd, professional golfer and alum of First Tee-Greater Washington, DC, to serve as chapter ambassador. This is the chapter’s second consecutive year sponsoring Byrd.
The agreement includes First Tee-Greater Washington, DC logo placement on the A-panel of Byrd’s staff bag which will be used when he’s competing in professional tournaments plus appearances at three local events: 25th Anniversary Politics and Pros fundraiser outing on July 20 at Woodmont Country Club, Rockville, MD; Larry Byrd Memorial Junior Golf Clinic featuring Marcus Byrd at Langston Golf Course on July 21; and a third event to be determined.
“We’re proud to partner again with Marcus who is one of our most successful alumni golfers and a wonderful person who exhibits the core values and key commitments of First Tee on and off the course,” said Tony Kavanagh, Board Chairman, 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, 28, 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 again 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 2026 Farmers Insurance Invitational at Torrey Pines when he earned a sponsor exemption by winning the APGA Farmers Insurance Open (67-69) also at Torrey Pines. Recently, Marcus finished T3 (-17) in the first PGA TOUR Americas event of the season, the 71st ECP Brazil Open at Rio Olympic Golf Course.
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