Stafford, Va. – Touched by the loss of his daughter to cancer, Charlie Holden of Alexandria, Va. along with his son Scott and the Middle Atlantic PGA started the annual Holden Cup Charity Pro-Am. A two-day event, the Holden Cup is held at Belle Haven Country Club (Alexandria, Va.) each year where Mr. Holden is a member. In its 13-year existence, the Holden Cup has donated over $800,000 to cancer charities which includes this year’s recipient, the Prevent Cancer Foundation specifically Prevent Cancer Research and Pediatric Cancer.
The Holden’s work tirelessly, year-round to attract contributors and raise money for this rewarding tournament. This year, over 40 tee signs were placed on the golf course recognizing the names of each contributor. In addition, 112 PGA Professionals and Amateurs participated in the tournament. Through the combined donations from sponsors and participants, the 2012 Holden Cup raised $80,000 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. [photo: Charlie Holden presenting check to Prevent Cancer Foundation COO Jan Bresch]
“We are so grateful for Mr. Holden and his vision with the Holden Cup golf tournament,” said Prevent Cancer Foundation COO Jan Bresch. The money donated by the Holden Cup helps to fund the Holden Family Grant in Breast Cancer which is awarded each year to worthy applicants who plan to make great strides in cancer research. The 2011 recipient of the Holden Family Grant was Dr. Suzanne O’Neill, Ph.D. of Georgetown University.
In the 18-hole pro-am event, PGA Professional Jim Estes of Olney Golf Park (Olney, Md.) and his amateur partner Walter Jew of Gaithersburg, Md. took first place. Estes also topped the 36-hole Professional Sweeps by five shots with a score of 9-under par. Jon Corliss, PGA of Heron Ridge GC (Virginia Beach, Va.) defeated fellow PGA Professional John Francisco of Piney Branch G & CC (Upperco, Md.) in a one-hole playoff to win the Senior Professional Sweeps.
About the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America
The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA (MAPGA), located in Stafford, Virginia, is one of 41 Sections of The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As a part of The PGA since 1925, the MAPGA consists of over 1,100 members and apprentices in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and small portions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Together, the MAPGA golf professionals, volunteers and staff support the mission of The PGA to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to the game’s growth by providing services to PGA Professionals and the golf industry.
Contact:
Stephanie Jennings, PGA
sjennings@pgahq.com
(540) 720-7420 ext. 116
