Ohio Golf Journal August 2019

With approximately 20 million golfers in the U.S, over 50% of golfers in the country account for the $3.8 billion of charitable contributions. If you participated in a golf outing or benefit this year at your local golf course, give yourself a BIG “ATTA BOY! You DUN Real Good!” The numbers are Astounding! Big name golfers also get in on the act and hold dozens of outings that raise millions of dollars. Jack Nicklaus as well as Arnold Palmer, during his life, both worked tirelessly to support hospitals for children and mothers. Morgan Pressel has raised several million dollars in her annual golf outing to support breast cancer. Many more professional golfers establish foundations to funnel money to a variety of charities that are near and dear to their hearts. Golf annually donates more through its charitable activities than Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the National Basketball League combined. Although golf is portrayed as an elitist sport, which limits the ability of less fortunate to participate in the sport, I would argue that Americans with disposable income that play in charitable golf outings, contribute more than their fair share and support their communities through the various outings and fund raisers centered around the golf course. The gigantic amount of charitable dollars generated through golf, is unprecedented. The mass media does not address this single fact nearly enough and is missing a great story. Have some fun, help your community and local charities, sign up for a golf outing this summer.