‘Play like the Pros’ Charity Challenge in support of junior golf raised over $24K to date

Last month, the Golf Canada Foundation debuted its ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge and to date the initiative has raised just over $24,085. Teams registered in the ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge have the opportunity to play a round at one of Ontario’s most prestigious golf courses in exchange for their commitment to fundraise in support of junior golf through the Golf Canada Foundation.

The ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge hosted its first event of the series at The National Golf & Country Club on June 9.

“Our first qualifier event had very positive feedback from the participants,” shared Martin Barnard, CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “The National was in pristine shape, there was an exciting playoff finish, and some teams even mentioned it made them want to sign up for another qualifier event this summer.”

The ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge continued on June 15 with teams competing at both Öviinbyrd Golf Club (Muskoka, Ont.) and London Hunt and Country Club (London, Ont.).

“We’ve seen a great response from the public in this inaugural year of the event. People are excited at the opportunity to play some of the best and most exclusive clubs in Ontario,” added Barnard. “Not only are teams getting a fantastic playing experience, but more importantly they are also excited at the unique opportunity to contribute to junior golf initiatives across the country. They understand the value of introducing youth to golf and nurturing their passion for the game.”

Funds raised from the ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge will assist in growing and developing golf programs which cater to youth of all ages and development stages. At the grassroots level, the Golf in Schools program introduces children to golf through their school’s physical education program. The next step, the CN Future Links program, encourages young golfers to refine their driving, iron play, chipping and putting skills in a competitive but friendly setting. The support from the ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge will also focus upon high-performance Canadian juniors through the Junior Golf Development Centres and the National Development Squad.

In addition to supporting junior golf initiatives and playing at Ontario’s best courses, teams are competing for the Challenge’s grand prize: a round at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. on Monday, July 27 following the 2015 RBC Canadian Open. The top-five fundraising foursomes as well as the winning teams from each ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge event will be awarded the opportunity to truly ‘Play Like the Pros.’ They will experience Glen Abbey in the same conditions as PGA Tour players during this year’s playing of Canada’s National Open Championship from July 20-26. Teams will be tested by the unforgiving rough, Sunday pins and lightning-fast greens.

The current top fundraising team, ‘CPA My Ball in the Woods’, has raised $3,710 towards their goal of $4,000; they will be playing in the upcoming Hamilton Golf and Country tournament on June 23.

The following mini-tournaments remain on schedule for the ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge:   

For more information, to pledge a team or to register for the ‘Play Like the Pros’ Charity Challenge, please visit www.playliketheprosgolf.com.