By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
It’ll be raining birdies across several PGA Sections this spring. In fact, April 15th is fast approaching and anticipation across the South Florida PGA Section is building. Is it Tax Day they’re eagerly awaiting? Well, what do you think? No… it’s the 3rd annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash to benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
What started in the Southern Ohio PGA Section four years ago has grown to almost a dozen PGA Sections doing their part to raise funds for great causes and one in particular that’s near and dear to the Golden Bear himself.
“The logical progression of us being the second Section to hold the event is due to Jack and Barbara’s involvement,” says Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida PGA Section. “They’re heavily involved in the Columbus, Ohio area, and also live down here in Florida.”
Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director – South Florida PGA
According to Lofstead, Nicklaus’ initial goal was to raise $100 million over five years for the Children’s Miracle Network, a goal that has since been achieved. With many fundraising programs in place to achieve such lofty goals, the involvement of participating PGA of America Sections is just one component.
The South Florida PGA Section Play Yellow Birdie Bash is comprised of two-person teams who raise money for their 81-hole endeavor. That’s right! It’s 81 holes in one day. This year’s event will take place across 27 holes at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, while the 72-hole Southern Ohio PGA Section fundraiser is scheduled for May 21 at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio. Each two-person team raises money across their channels and circles, and donors can contribute per birdie or in one lump sum.
Lofstead is playing with Don Meadows, the PGA of America Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach Florida and Honorary Past President of the Section.
Additionally, there are almost 60 South Florida PGA members taking part, including Paul Clivio, the Section’s current President and PGA of America Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton. He’ll be teaming up with Ben Bauer, the award-winning PGA of America Director of Golf at Hunters Run Golf & Racquet Club in Boynton Beach, Florida.
“This is part of the reason we became golf professionals,” Bauer says. “We enjoy playing the game and giving back, as much as we love growing the game and helping our members, their families and their guests play their best.”
Clivio and Bauer played in the first two South Florida PGA Play Yellow Birdie Bash events together and have raised nearly $15,000 thanks to their members, friends and families. Bauer says they have an internal social media platform at Hunters Run called Clubster, through which he gets the word out.
“I explain the charities we are playing for and their impacts on our local community in my communication with members and social media posts,” Bauer adds.
Lofstead believes he is the only amateur playing in the South Florida event and joins one LPGA Professional as the only non-members of the South Florida PGA Section. With 27 holes at PGA National, a similar number of twosomes works well to ensure they get their 81 holes played in a timely manner. There are no hard and fast rules regarding participation, however. It’s all about promoting the charities and raising funds for their benefit.
A reception is held after play that includes a ceremony with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. They’ll take a photo with each team, and a brief Q&A will be held to share Nicklaus’ thoughts on the event and the game in general.
“Jack and Barbara are so important to golf in general, but in particular to the growth of South Florida golf. To partner with them to raise money for programs that benefit kids throughout South Florida is an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up,” Lofstead concludes.
To contribute to your favorite South Florida PGA Section professional’s team, log in here, or to donate to a Southern Ohio PGA Section team, check out their page here. Otherwise, check with your local PGA Section to see if they’re participating and to support their efforts.
