The PGA TOUR’s Charitable Tradition

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The first seven Presidents Cups contributed more than $17 million to charities worldwide.

Golf is a game rooted in its enduring traditions, and the same can easily be said for the PGA TOUR, which can take considerable and justifiable pride in its history of charitable involvement.

All of this dates back to 1938, when officials involved with the Palm Beach Invitational donated $10,000 to local charities. Not only was this a staggering sum for the time, but it was largely unprecedented in professional sports. In the years since, other sports have followed the PGA TOUR’s lead, but no other sports organization can come even close to the TOUR’s commitment. Coming into 2008, the TOUR and its tournaments — along with the Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour — has raised and contributed over $1.2 billion to some 2,000 local and national charitable organizations. It’s important to note that not only do these Tours provide generous charitable funding, but so too do individual players and the approximately 80,000 volunteers who make the tournaments possible.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of the tournaments, players, fans, volunteers and business partners who support the PGA TOUR, our goal of giving back continues to be our main focus,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. “We are inspired by the continued enthusiasm for giving that ensures more and more assistance is generated for those in need around the world.”

To get a feel for the depth of the TOUR’s across-the-board commitment to charity, it’s worth noting that the biennial Presidents Cup matches, through which U.S. teams play against international teams from non-European countries, have raised $17 million in the seven competitions held since they began in 1994. Players, team captains and captains’ assistants don’t receive a dime for their participation. Instead, they designate which of their favorite charities should receive contributions.

Beyond the well-noted charitable work done by the Tours, the PGA TOUR has traditionally made special efforts to support American troops in times of war. During World War II, players competed for purses paid in war bonds that helped fund the war effort. In addition, TOUR members played countless exhibitions designed to raise funds for war bonds. Today that same spirit manifests itself in numerous ways, both large and small.

“I know I can’t serve with them, but I just want to say thank you in some way.
They put their lives on the line so we can enjoy our freedom.”

- Tiger Woods

In 2007, Tiger Woods — whose late father, Earl, served with the Army’s Green Berets in Vietnam — agreed to host the AT&T National in Bethesda, Md. The tournament is specifically designed to honor the armed forces. All military personnel receive free admission and many participate in events linked to the tournament.

“When you’re around it, you understand the level of commitment,” said Woods. “I know I can’t serve with them, but I just want to say thank you in some way. They put their lives on the line so we can enjoy our freedom.”

Tiger Woods welcomes Green Berets to the inaugural AT&T National.

In 2006, TOUR members Frank Lickliter II, Corey Pavin and Jerry Kelly, as well as Champions Tour members Howard Twitty and Donnie Hammond, showed their continued support for those serving overseas by traveling to the Persian Gulf to visit American troops. And beginning in 2004, Phil Mickelson, whose father was a Navy pilot, created a “Birdies for the Brave” program. Mickelson’s program continues to donate $100 for every birdie he makes and $500 for every eagle. The contributions benefit two programs: “Homes for Our Troops” and the “Special Operations Warrior Foundation.”

“It is such a great position to be in, to be able to have such an effect on so many lives,” said Mickelson. “I’m just thankful to be in a position to honor our military men and women.”

Over the years, the TOUR’s corporate partners have played crucial roles in supporting charities. For example, Southern Company committed to sponsoring the Payne Stewart Award because it wanted to recognize and honor individuals who shared and reflected Stewart’s commitment to charity, the game’s traditions and the professionalism of the TOUR.

As the “Official Energy Company of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour,” Southern Company contributes $300,000 annually, with a third going to Payne and Tracy Stewart’s primary charity, the Stewart Family Foundation; a third going to The First Tee facility in Stewart’s native Missouri; and a third going to a charity designated by the recipient. Over the years, a series of the game’s greatest champions have won the award (see timeline).

And to think this all began in 1938 with a group of visionaries who realized that golf could be a lot more than a source of entertainment for people. It could dramatically change the lives of those who needed a little help along the way.

Southern Company Salutes
The Winners of the Payne Stewart Award