Lefty out: Mickelson won’t play in U.S. Open

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — FedEx Corp. and Junior Achievement Worldwide announced today that the FedEx Junior Business Challenge is returning for the third consecutive year. Established by FedEx and JA Worldwide in 2017, the program provides next generation entrepreneurs with a unique platform to pitch original business ideas to a panel of high-profile judges and the chance to earn a $75,000 donation from FedEx. “Our collaboration with the PGA TOUR and JA Worldwide provides us with a great opportunity to use golf as a platform to support the next generation of entrepreneurs through the FedEx Junior Business Challenge,� said Patrick Fitzgerald, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing and Communications, FedEx.  “Year after year, JA students have shared innovative and forward-thinking business concepts and we can’t wait to see what’s in store this time around.� At each FedEx Junior Business Challenge qualifying event, JA students ranging from 15 to 18 years old will pitch their original business concepts to a panel of judges consisting of PGA TOUR players, celebrities, FedEx Small Business Grant Winners and business leaders. One JA student company from each qualifying event will be selected by the judges to advance to the final FedEx Junior Business Challenge event at the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, where the 2019 FedExCup Champion will be determined. There, JA student company finalists will make one final pitch for a chance to receive a $75,000 donation to their local JA chapter from FedEx. The first qualifying event of the year will be held at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas on Wednesday, May 22 and will feature Dallas football legend DeMarcus Ware and four-time PGA TOUR winner and Texas native Ryan Palmer among the judging panel. Celebrities participating previously as panel judges include Andy Roddick (2003 U.S. Open (tennis) winner), Shannon Miller (seven-time Olympic medal gymnast), Hines Ward (two-time Super Bowl Champion), Denny Hamlin (2016 and 2019 Daytona 500 winner and driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota), Billy Horschel (2014 FedExCup champion) and Patrick Reed (2018 Masters Champion). FedEx Junior Business Challenge Host Locations: Charles Schwab Challenge (Fort Worth, Texas) – Wednesday, May 22 Travelers Championship (Cromwell, Conn.) – Tuesday, June 18 3M Open (Blaine, Minn.) – Tuesday, July 2 TOUR Championship (Atlanta, Ga.) – Wednesday, August 21 Over the past two years, the FedEx Junior Business Challenge has impacted hundreds of students across North America, donating more than $200,000 to participating JA chapters. Since 1996, FedEx has donated nearly $16 million to JA Worldwide in support of small businesses and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. “For the past two years, the FedEx Junior Business Challenge has provided JA students an experience to hone their presentation skills and demonstrate the curiosity, collaboration and innovative thinking that goes into the development of their company concepts,� said Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide.  “We’re excited that the program is back for a third season and continues to expand into new markets across the country.� FedEx has been an official sponsor of the PGA TOUR since 2002.  In 2007 the FedExCup—a season-long points competition—was introduced, transforming the competitive landscape of the PGA TOUR.  The performance-based point structure culminates with the FedExCup Playoffs, a three-tournament series that features a progressive cut to determine the FedExCup Champion. “We are truly proud of FedEx’s long-term commitment to support local PGA TOUR tournament communities and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through this incredible program,� said Brian Oliver, executive vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the PGA TOUR. “The FedEx Junior Business Challenge is something that has had a positive impact on both our tournaments and players, and we are excited to see what innovative business ideas are presented by the ambitious JA students this year.� Follow the FedEx Junior Business Challenge all season long on Facebook and Twitter via @FedEx and join the social conversation by using #FedExJuniorBiz on both platforms. To learn more about the FedExCup, visit PGATOUR.com/FedExCup.

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