Jan 25

Written by:
1/25/2009 

People who play golf love the game for different reasons.  Some folks like to get away from things for a few hours, some like the competition and sometimes it's the comraderie you get out of a round with friends.  One aspect you might not have thought of is the fact that golf is good for the community.

I'm not talking about the financial benefits that can come from having a popular resort or course in your area.  I'm talking about the money that the game of golf gives to charities on a number of different levels.

The USGA released information today that it had dispersed $5.1 million in grants to help over 230,000 kids and disabled people play golf in 2008.  It was all part of the organization's 'For the Good of the Game' and 'First Tee' initiatives, programs now in their 12th years.

In addition to seeing this kind of money come from the USGA, professional events also endow large sums of money upon the charities in areas around their tournament sites.  In Portland, the Touranment Golf Foundation has given $13 million since 1972 ($10 million in the last 13 years) to dozens of local charities.  Last year's total contribution was just over $1 million.

Let's not forget the more grass roots form of golf charity: the benefit tournament.  Who hasn't played in an event to benefit their church, raise money for a high school or even remember a friend who's died.  Golf tournaments are a great way to bring people together and raise funds.

The next time you're out playing a round at your favorite course, think about how you could use the game of golf to support a charity you might be involved in.

Golf tournaments are