2005 Tournament News
PGA TOUR Drive to a Billion at a Glance
At A Glance
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Entering the 2005 season, the TOUR and its tournaments have
generated more than $910 million for charity since 1938, the first
year such records were kept.
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The Drive to a Billion campaign celebrates the spirit of giving and
teamwork as the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour and their
tournaments approach $1 billion dollars in charitable giving.
- The countdown will touch more than 100 communities nationwide where tournaments are played on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.
The campaign will feature:
o "Giving Back Day," where each tournament will celebrate the people and organizations who have dedicated themselves to improving the community, including players and wives participating in community service activities in the cities and towns where they play.
o A ceremonial tee shot will be hit at tournaments with a replica 1938 driver, which will act as a torch for the countdown.
o Commemorative Drive to a Billion pins will be worn by players during competition throughout the season.
o A Drive to a Billion-themed PSA campaign will run in print and TV outlets beginning in February.
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The first donation of $10,000 was made in 1938 by the Palm Beach Invitational on Long Island (NY).
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Nearly all of the PGA TOUR’s 100+ annual tournaments operate as independent 501(c)(3) organizations, committed to donating 100% of their proceeds to charity. Every ticket bought by fans goes directly to worthwhile local organizations.
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The PGA TOUR and its charities annually give to more than 2,000 different charities and impact more than one million lives through charitable giving.
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It took 61 years to raise the first $500 million (1938-1999) - but only 7 years to raise the second $500 million:
o 1938 First $10,000 contribution (Palm Beach Invitational) to charity
o 1987 PGA TOUR charity contributions reach $100 million
o 1999 PGA TOUR charity contributions pass $500 million
o 2005/2006 PGA TOUR charity contributions expected to exceed $1 billion
