Birdie-A-Thon Supports Many Charities

The Southwestern Chapter of the North Florida PGA continues to make an impact on the local community with their fund raising efforts. Each year the local club professionals raise money by hosting a Birdie-A-Thon. Professionals solicit pledges from their members and guests. They then play golf in varied formats to try to make as many birdies as possible. The most popular format is a four or five person scramble with a group comprised of the professional staff and club champions. Once the round is played the pledges are collected on a per birdie basis.

The Birdie-A-Thon has been increasingly successful over the past five years. Since it’s inception, the local PGA professionals have contributed over $105,000.00 to local children’s charities. From the beginning the main beneficiaries were the Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association and The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee. Since then the charity base has grown to include Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club and Florida Adaptive Golf Foundation. All of the contributions are used locally in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

The board of directors of the SW Chapter is in charge of the collection and distribution of the charitable donations. The board is comprised of some of finest area leaders in the golf industry including President Keith Struble from Plantation Golf & Country Club, Vice President Paul Barone from Heron Creek and Secretary Tim Beckwith from The Oaks Club. The local Birdie-A-Thon has been so successful that other PGA Chapters across the state are copying the model. Contact your PGA profesional to see how you can particpate in this great fundraising opportunity.