Golf – A Giving Game
As this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am kicks off, we are reminded of the impact that the game of golf has on communities across the United States.
In 2022, Monterey Peninsula Foundation will be first PGA TOUR event to reach a charitable giving milestone, surpassing $200 million in total donations. Yes, $200 million.
Perennially ranked among the PGA TOUR’s top charitable contributors, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation—through the annual “Clam Bake” first conceived by Bing Crosby and friends in 1947 and now known as the AT&T—sets the benchmark for generating millions of dollars. Funds are donated annually to nonprofit organizations and communities along California’s Central Coast.
Even in the past year, while the pandemic wreaked havoc with lives, schedules, and the ability to sell tickets, the Foundation still worked hard to support urgent needs related to health and human services, food security, and educational equity. Long-term grant recipients include California State Monterey Bay, Montage Health, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, and First Tee – Monterey County. The Foundation also supports the neighborhoods of East Salinas with funding to establish an early childhood learning center, soccer complex, community gathering space, and park with safe public access.
Just as every shot counts on the course, every dollar contributed will be invested in these critical areas by Monterey Peninsula Foundation.
Throughout this year’s tournament, title sponsor AT&T will feature “AT&T Birdies for Students” a friendly competition where for every birdie or better on the 17th hole, AT&T will pledge $2,500 to help bridge the digital divide so more students and others who need it can have access to the internet.
PGA TOUR Commission Jay Monahan commented, “On behalf of the PGA TOUR, my congratulations to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, AT&T and the thousands of PGA TOUR members who have supported this event over the year. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has for decades combined the best in sports and entertainment for our fans along with a charitable impact that positively affects thousands of lives in Monterey and the surrounding communities.”
PGA TOUR events collectively raised more than $173 million in 2021, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total to $3.37 billion. This continued impact is ingrained in the PGA TOUR’s DNA and is supported by long-standing commitments of the professional players, tournaments, and corporate partners.
As leaders from the world of business, sports, and entertainment are drawn to the iconic Pebble Beach golf courses to play with PGA TOUR professional partners, the legacy of golf and giving will continue.