3rd annual 'Hit the Green for HOPE’ Marriott Golf promotion generates more than $65k for PGA REACH

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, announced that it raised a record of more than $65,000 last year for PGA REACH – the charitable foundation of the PGA of America—during the 3rd Annual Hit the Green for HOPE promotion. The funds raised last year were designed to support PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) golf programming for military Veterans with disabilities. Donations eclipsed the previous total of $48,000 from the 2017 campaign by 35 percent. 

 

PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the 501 (c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE 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 in PGA HOPE programs include Veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and limb loss, among other challenges. 

 

Golfers had an opportunity to first participate in the fund-raiser at 17 Marriott Golf properties in 2018, beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Each property took on the challenge of raising funds through various methods, including a “Hit the Green for HOPE” Contest. By donating a minimum of $10, players were given the opportunity to hit the green with a tee shot on a designated par-3 hole, in exchange for discounts on golf shop merchandise. Several Marriott properties also offered unique versions of the program during the rest of the year, such as donation raffles, clinics and golf tournaments.  

 

“Marriott Golf has established an annual fundraising tradition to support PGA HOPE and our nation’s heroes,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “Their generous support will help PGA HOPE expand our outreach to Veterans across America.”

 

“PGA REACH, and programs like PGA HOPE, are important to Marriott Golf, in order to ensure we are doing our part to support our Veterans,” said Brett Stark, Senior Director, Marketing & eCommerce, Marriott Golf. “We are very thankful of our Veterans, as well as our loyal members and guests that contribute to this worthy program.”

 

Participating courses in the Hit the Green for HOPE campaign represented some of the country’s premier golf venues: 

 

The Rookery & Hammock Bay, Naples, Fla.

Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.

Griffin Gate Golf Club, Lexington, Ky.

The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.

Toftrees Golf Club, State College, Penn.

Wildfire Golf Club, Phoenix

Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Gaylord Springs Golf Club, Nashville, Tenn.

Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.

Desert Springs Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota, Fla.

Marriott’s Grande Vista Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.

Starr Pass Country Club, Tucson, Ariz.

Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va.

Cattails Golf Club, Kingsport, Tenn.

Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga. 

 For more information on PGA HOPE, visit pgareach.org.