The Other Side of the Ryder Cup; US Team Donates $2.85 Million
The 12 member winning team, Captain Steve Stricker and his five Vice-Captains committed $2.85 million to the 43rd Ryder Cup Outreach Program, which will be distributed to designated charities and youth golf development programs across the country.
Since 1999, and now spanning 11 Ryder Cups, the outreach program has contributed $28.6 million to more than 200 charitable organizations. All members of the Team, along with Stricker, designated $100,000 each to the charity of their choice. Another $100,000 is directed to support youth-golf development programs, designed to introduce children to golf, provide unique approaches to play the game, and deliver world-class coaching and mentoring to juniors who may not otherwise have the financial means.
“The PGA of America is delighted to work with the U.S. Ryder Cup Team to continue our longstanding tradition of providing significant financial support to deserving charities, foundations and golf development programs,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “Over the past 22 years, the Ryder Cup Outreach Program has touched countless lives while contributing millions of dollars to worthy causes aligned with each team member, making a difference in communities across America.”
The youth development programs that will benefit directly from this year’s Ryder Cup Outreach Program are:
PGA Jr. League; PGA Reach’s flagship youth pillar program, PGA Jr. League is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for girls and boys to learn and enjoy the game of golf under the direction of LPGA & PGA Professionals. As in other recreational league sports, participants wear numbered jerseys and play on teams with their friends. At the end of the regular season, all star teams are formed to compete in the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Postseason. There are PGA Jr. League teams in all 41 PGA Sections and all 50 states.
Drive, Chip & Putt Championship; A free, nationwide junior skills competition for boys and girls, ages 7-15, supported by the Masters Tournament Foundation, PGA of America and the United States Golf Association.
KPMG Future Leaders Program; Affords top female high school seniors across the country the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through college scholarships, a leadership development retreat at Stanford University, a mentoring relationship with a female business leader and an introduction to golf.
Besides my love of golf, the sport provides so much more to our youth, charities and local economies. Please support the game by going to a professional event when they are in your area. The more patrons who come, the more money goes back to programs like those above.
