LEXINGTON, Ky. – Giving back to local communities is a key tenet of the PGA TOUR, and it will be a primary mission for the Barbasol Championship as it moves to Champions at Keene Trace in Central Kentucky this summer. Organizers are launching the “Birdies for the Bluegrass, presented by Lexus of Lexington” campaign to drive charitable giving as the tournament impacts non-profit organizations throughout the state of Kentucky.
“Bringing the PGA TOUR to the Bluegrass achieves two primary goals: an estimated $20 million economic impact to Kentucky and an opportunity to impact lives of those who need it most in our communities through our local charities,” said Brooks Downing, Executive Director of the Barbasol Championship. “We are modeling our charitable platform after what others have done on the PGA TOUR and feel confident that as this event grows, it will be one of, if not the biggest, charitable platform in the state.”
Birdies for the Bluegrass is a pledge program where individuals can make a monetary pledge for each birdie tallied during tournament play. The TOUR estimates that somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 birdies are typically tallied during the four-day event. Donors can designate to which charity their pledge can impact with the Barbasol Championship then providing an additional percentage of matching funds. As donors make their pledge, they can guess the exact number of birdies that will be totaled during the event. Those who guess correctly will have a chance to win a two-year lease on a new Lexus.
Blue Grass Community Foundation (BGCF), based in Lexington, will manage the program for the tournament.
“We are pleased to be the philanthropic partner for the 2018 Barbasol Championship,” said Scott Fitzpatrick, Vice President for Advancement at BGCF. “At the Community Foundation, our mission is to build generous, vibrant and engaged communities, and encourage everyone to participate in charitable giving. Birdies for the Bluegrass will provide a fun and impactful way for individuals throughout our Commonwealth to support causes that are meaningful to them.”
Non-profit organizations in the state can now register for the program at www.birdiesforthebluegrass.com and pledges will be accepted beginning in June and run through the conclusion of the second round of the tournament.
The Barbasol Championship is one of only 49 PGA TOUR events, and last year, charitable donations from the PGA TOUR totaled more than $185 million, more than the other four professional sports combined. The tournament, which will be played opposite the British Open, may include names such as Jim Furyk, Davis Love III and Hunter Mahan (all are eligible to appear) competing for $3.5 million in prize money and 300 FedExCup points.