What is Inbounds?

I, Donald L. Simons, worked as a special education teacher for over 40 years. Armed with a degree in physical education and a sincere desire to redirect at-risk youth towards character enhancement, I have seen firsthand the positive and indelible impact of my efforts. I am the proud founder and President of InBounds, Inc., which is a registered and trademarked program that addresses positive character development in youth.

 

In the summer of 1989, the PGA of America invited Inbounds, Inc. to present our designed presentation, “Sand Traps of Life.” The presentation was delivered to 60-70 youth participants in the PGA’s junior golf program with a clear message of the value of character development. Prior to and after the presentation, my associate  Jim Nicholson and I had the pleasure of meeting with two esteemed members of the PGA of America, Mr. Mike Peterson and Mr. Greg Shreaves. These representatives, along with other members of the PGA of America indicated to us a strong interest in our concepts and even discussed the development of a potential joint venture and/ or affiliation with InBounds, Inc. to initiate a program as such on a national level.

 

On November 3, 2006, while visiting the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida, I became aware that the PGA of America, and others, had taken my program principles, concepts, and methodology and developed a program, unbeknownst to me, within The First Tee. While there I met with the executive director of The First Tee program, Mr. Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., and discovered, in  The First Tee literature, that their program for youth included the character development methods I initially proposed, in good faith, to the PGA of America and others in the golf industry.

 

In addition, inherent in The First Tee Manual is the phrase, “Golf is more than a game.” On numerous occasions I used the phrase “Golf is more than a game” to the PGA executives, and others long before the advent of  The First Tee. Recognizing that this may be somewhat minor from a legal perspective, these words are nonetheless personal. Also, I suggested to the golf industry that a national development of my visionary concept would enhance the image of professional golf and provide an opportunity to those less accessible to the game.

 

InBounds, Inc. operated as a DBA in 1988 and incorporated in June 3, 1989. A great deal of effort and expenses went into the development of InBounds, Inc., including 501(c)3 status, trademarks, travel, apparel, etc.

 

We are looking for someone interested in investigating our perspective. We are confident upon full review of this story, including articles from the Detroit Free Press and Michigan Chronicle, you will find substantial evidence to support our suspicions that The First Tee may have evolved out of Inbounds, Inc.’s concepts and that we had an implied contract. Due to the possible statute of limitations and monetary considerations, we are not seeking legal redress, rather, that the story be told.

 Donald L. Simons, Founder/President

Jim Nicholson, Associate

InBounds, Inc.