It’s Time to Hit the Greens and Change the World!
Distinctive style and lush landscapes draw people to the game of golf, but it is the players and causes that bring them to a charity tournament. Participants from all industries, and with many different handicaps, grab their golf bags and walk the green to earn money for a favorite organization. Competitors can be local talent, members of an industry, PGA professionals, athletes or entertainers. The Bob Hope Classic, played annually in California, inspires names like Don Cheadle, Julius Irving and Morgan Freeman to play a few rounds. Attending a charity event gives you a golf holiday to remember, a challenging course to play and a chance to help a worthy cause.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is a group that is changing the world one child at a time. Currently 1 in 88 children is autistic and that number is growing at a steady pace. Organizations like Autism Speaks increase awareness of this developing concern.
Each year, the foundation hosts a celebrity golf challenge to raise funds. The event starts with a buffet breakfast and ends with a dinner celebration and auction. In between, celebrities and spectators hit the green for a little golf. Players for this year’s event included Tony Devolani and actor Stephanie Szostak. Spectators have an opportunity to play in select contests, such as the Hole-in-One challenge as well.
Prizes and auction items come from local and national sponsors. In 2012, the tournament, held at the Wing Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, NY, brought in over $900,000 for education, family services and autism research.
John Heiert/Jean Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament
The John Heiert/Jean Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament raises funds to support Mercy Care, a non-profit hospice in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The hospice provides palliative care, grief support and helps to promote community awareness. Funds from the golf tournament go towards counseling services for children dealing with loss.
The annual challenge allows local players to rally together sponsors for an engaging round at the River Golf Plantation. Each tournament offers contests, such as longest drive, to spectators for select prizes. The event includes a breakfast, golf tournament, silent auction and lunch.
Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrity Golf Tournament
For the 11th consecutive year, the Big Sky branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters will host a celebrity golf event at the resort in Big Sky, Montana. Each year, local businesses like the Big Sky Resort sponsor the event in honor of the mentoring program Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County. This nonprofit organization provides children from the school and community with educational support and guidance.
Along with an open golf tournament, this two-day affair includes music and live and silent auctions. The tournament is open to anyone. Buy-in tickets are available for individual players or teams of four.
Whether you are an obsessive golfer and fan or just want to take part in a worthy cause, a charity golf tournament is a day of fun in the sun. Ask at your golf club about local events to compete in and watch or schedule your next vacation around a charity tournament.
About the author: Dawn Altnam lives and works in the Indiana, and she enjoys following business tech and, her favorite golfer, Phil Mickelson. After traveling and furthering her education, she has spent some time researching her interests and blogging of her discoveries. Follow her on Twitter @dawnaltnam
