Year-long promotion supports PGA REACH & military veterans nationwide
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 22, 2017) – Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, in collaboration with PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, today announced that the opening weekend of the 2017 Hit the Green for HOPE campaign generated more than $20,000, with 100% of the proceeds supporting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), golf programming for United States military Veterans with disabilities.
Approximately 2,000 golfers at 17 participating Marriott Golf properties nationwide participated in the promotion’s opening weekend, as players won an assortment of prizes/golf shop discounts by hitting the green on a designated par 3 at each respective facility, all while supporting military heroes. The 2017 Hit the Green for HOPE campaign will also take place at various locations on Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day, while several properties will offer unique variations of this philanthropic initiative throughout the year.
PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the 501 (c)3 charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The HOPE program introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Led by PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE has helped thousands of Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides. All PGA HOPE programming is fully funded by PGA REACH and offered at NO COST for military Veterans.
Participants of PGA HOPE programs include military Veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and amputations, among other challenges.
“What a fantastic opening weekend for the PGA Hope program with more than $20K raised” said Bill Nault, Vice President, Marriott Golf. “With this initial success I’m looking forward to more events throughout the year, so Marriott can continue to have a positive impact on the rehabilitation process for so many Veterans across the country.”
Participating courses in the Hit the Green for HOPE campaign represent some of the country’s premier championship venues, including:
• Wildfire Golf Club, Phoenix, Ariz.
• Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.
• Starr Pass Country Club, Tucson, Ariz.
• Desert Springs Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.
• Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.
• Grande Vista Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.
• Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.
• The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.
• The Rookery & Hammock Bay, Marco Island, Fla.
• Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club, St. Petersburg, Fla.
• The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota, Fla.
• Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.
• Griffin Gate Golf Club, Lexington, Ky.
• Toftrees Golf Club, State College, Pa.
• Gaylord Springs Golf Club, Nashville, Tenn.
• Cattails Golf Club, Kingsport, Tenn.
• Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va.
Golfers should call the golf shop at each property for specific program dates and details. For more information on PGA HOPE or to make a donation in support of PGA HOPE programming, visit www.pgareach.org.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 55 courses in 15 countries across 5 continents, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for Marriott International lodging brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Westin, Sheraton, Gaylord Hotels, Le Meridien, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Golf Academy. Since 1971, Marriott has been a recognized leader of integrated resort and golf operations through its award winning business results and renowned service culture. Marriott provides golf development expertise, golf management, and consulting services to a unique variety of hospitality environments including resorts, private membership clubs, daily fee courses, golf schools, and franchises. For more information, visit http://www.marriott.com/explore-and-plan/golf.mi.
About PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.
Contact:
Jared Minski (Jared@mastrocomm.com)
Ari Edelman (aedelman@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications @ (732) 469-5700
