In the News

Southwest PGA Professionals Raise $165,000 Through Birdies for Good

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Southwest Section PGA is proud to announce the second annual Birdies For Good fundraiser raised over $165,000 with all funds benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central & Northern Arizona, Southern Arizona and Greater Las Vegas chapters, as well as the Southwest PGA Foundation.

Twenty-seven Southwest PGA Professionals from the Section (metro Phoenix area), Southern Chapter (Tucson) and Southern Nevada Chapter utilized their communities to obtain pledges or flat donations for every birdie made during the 72-hole event held at their respective courses. All proceeds will be distributed within the communities served by the three Southwest PGA Chapters and corresponding Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“The pride and enthusiasm of our PGA professionals and donors for such an amazing cause such as RMHC is overwhelming,” said Michael Haywood, President of the Southwest PGA Foundation who participated in the fundraiser. “The Birdies for Good campaign is our way of showcasing the impact of the PGA Professional in communities across the Section in both Arizona and Nevada. The stories of inspiration, belief, hope and recovery are what drive events such as this, and the impact is truly life changing. We look forward to continuing this amazing relationship for years to come.”

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity and support provided by the Southwest PGA Section and its professionals,” said Kerry Schulman, Chief Executive Officer of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. “Their partnership has made an immense impact on our organization, ensuring families are close to medical resources and each other during their most trying times. In a year already full of turmoil, that means everything.”

In its inaugural year in 2019, seven Southwest PGA Professionals raised $45,000 through the Birdies for Good event held at the Short Course at Mountain Shadows in Scottsdale. This year, the second annual fundraiser was expanded to include the Southern Chapter event held at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tucson and the Southern Nevada Chapter event at Eagles Crest Golf Club in Las Vegas. Running all three events simultaneously, the 27 players were able generate a combined total of over $165,000.

"We couldn't be prouder of our Southwest PGA Professionals through this effort,” said Michael Miller, CEO of the Southwest PGA and Southwest PGA Foundation. “To grow from seven Professionals and raising just over $45,000 in the inaugural event last year, to having 27 professionals and raising over $165,000 in just our second year is so gratifying.  Our participating members really took ownership of the event this year and displayed amazing dedication to the cause.  The mission of our Foundation is to utilize the game of golf and the talents of our member professionals to give back to the community in a meaningful way.  Birdies for Good is the platform that allows us to do that.  We're excited and committed to continuing to grow this effort in the years ahead.”

For more information on Birdies for Good and to view a list of participating Southwest PGA professionals, visit www.birdiesforgood.org.