SAN DIEGO, CA – Continuing their long-standing commitment to make a difference in the communities where their golf clubs are located, the PGA TOUR and Heritage Golf Group, Inc. collaborated in 2008 to raise more than $1 million for six military homefront groups that directly serve military men and women and their families, as part of PGA TOUR Charities, Inc.’s Birdies for the Brave program. Funds were raised during 16 charity golf tournaments, silent auctions, and accompanying fundraising activities conducted at the TOUR’s TPC Network of private and resort clubs, as well as Heritage Golf Group’s collection of premier clubs nationwide.
Proceeds will benefit military homefront groups that are supported by PGA TOUR players, including Homes For Our Troops supported by Phil Mickelson; Special Operations Warrior Foundation supported by Phil Mickelson; Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund supported by TOUR Rory Sabbatini; Naval Special Warfare Foundation supported by Jerry Kelly; Wounded Warrior Project supported by Frank Lickliter, Nick Watney and Jason Gore; and Operation Homefront supported by Corey Pavin.
“We are extremely proud to support the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces and their families. Their innumerable sacrifices allow for the preservation of freedom of all Americans,” said David Pillsbury, President of PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties. “We are indebted to our PGA TOUR players and sponsors for their outpouring of support, without which, this program would not be possible.”
“As part of our strategic alliance with the PGA TOUR, we are very proud to have the opportunity to support the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Together, we can help make a difference in the lives of U.S. troops, who perform selfless acts of bravery on a daily basis,” said Bob Husband, President and CEO of Heritage Golf Group.
Both Pillsbury and Husband have had the unique experience of visiting troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, an opportunity that has further galvanized their commitment to enhance fundraising efforts in 2009 and beyond. Twenty Birdies for the Brave events have been scheduled for 2009, with a goal of raising more than $2 million for military homefront groups.
The Birdies for the Brave concept was originally created by TOUR player Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, to support troops injured during combat. For each birdie or eagle made on TOUR throughout the season, a contribution of $100 for a birdie or $500 for an eagle is donated to Homes For Our Troops and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Since the program’s inception, Birdies for the Brave has grown to include a variety of military outreach efforts, including military celebrations held during PGA TOUR tournaments; letter-writing campaigns for the troops; the distribution of care packages to troops stationed abroad; and fundraising events at the PGA TOUR’s TPCs. Through support of charitable and community-based programs, fans, club members, sponsors, and the general public have the opportunity to support military men and women and their families, while simultaneously playing the same sensational golf courses where the world’s best golfers compete. For more information, visit www.pgatour.com/birdiesforthebrave.
About PGA TOUR Charities, Inc.
Giving back is at the heart of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Charities. PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit
charitable organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. It was
established in 1985 to generate funds for donation to and support of other qualified charitable organizations.
Contributions to PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. In addition to
Birdies for the Brave, other fundraising efforts of PGA TOUR Charities include THE PLAYERS Foundation
and its charitable endeavors, U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund and Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, Champions
Tour for the Cure, 9/11 relief efforts and the provision of free junior golf clinics for disadvantaged children.
About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to
expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits
while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.
In 2009, the three Tours compete in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be
held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.
In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant
funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable
contributions. The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
About Heritage Youth Foundation
Heritage Golf Group is committed to delivering a world-class golf experience. For Heritage, this experience
includes being a valued, respected and responsible company supporting programs that immediately and
positively impact local communities where our members and employees live, work and play. Heritage Youth
Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
code. The Heritage Youth Foundation was founded in 1999 by Bob Husband, President and CEO of Heritage
Golf Group. Heritage Golf Group, through the Heritage Youth Foundation, proudly and actively supports varied
charitable programs. Among the many organizations that the Heritage Youth Foundation contributes to are the
Birdies for the Brave, Girl Scouts of America, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Kids in
Distress of Florida, UCSD Christini Fund and many more.
About Heritage Golf Group
Heritage Golf Group (www.heritagegolfgroup.com) began in 1999 with $100 million in funding provided by
the private equity firm, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC. Since then, the company has grown an impressive portfolio
of private and resort golf clubs around the country. The Heritage portfolio represents some of the most wellknown
and acclaimed properties spanning California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and
South Carolina. The company, led by Bob Husband, President and CEO, distinguishes itself through its
dedication to unrivaled golf and uncompromising service.
Contact:
Addis Kassegn (858) 617-6118
