Southwest PGA Foundation's 2024 Impact
The Oxford dictionary defines impact as “the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another” or “having a strong effect on someone or something.” While impact is a noun and a verb, they share a common meaning: “making a definable difference in the lives of others.”
Since 1994, the Southwest PGA Foundation has been living up to this definition. Their hallmark has been enriching the community and making a significant impact through the game of golf. From remarkable charitable initiatives like “Birdies for Good,” Special Olympics Golf, PGA Golf Day, to the work of our PGA professionals and their facilities in the aftermath of the Yarnell Fires, and more, the Southwest PGA Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to making a difference.
One common thread that connects all these efforts is the strong relationship between our PGA professionals and our donor community. It is undeniable that the over 2.2 million impact achieved in 2024 could not have been possible without the unwavering support of business, corporate, and individual donors.
Impacting the Community Through Partnerships
Partnering with the Southwest PGA Foundation has been incredibly valuable to our brand, as Tim Matthews of Matthews/Morrison Financial rightly points out. The game of golf has a profound impact on communities, and the unselfish generosity of donors is a key factor in bringing people together. Through their annual ‘Birdies for Good’ initiative, the Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Established in 2019, this fundraiser empowers PGA professionals and donors in Arizona and Southern Nevada.
In addition to its support for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Foundation has established several other notable pillars. These include the Special Olympics State and regional gol events, scholarship programs for junior golfers, and support for the PGA Junior League to name a few. However, the program that has garnered the most attention is PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere).
PGA HOPE Southwest is a program that will conduct 60 sessions at 24 facilities by over 30 PGA professionals. These sessions will teach over 750 Veterans the game of golf during a six-week program, and the best part is that it’s completely free for the veterans. In 2025 alone, PGA HOPE Southwest will deliver over $280,000 in program impact to our Veteran community.
With over 725 Veterans on a waitlist for PGA HOPE, the Foundation must continue to expand in every aspect of its operations. Southwest PGA Executive Director Michael Haywood emphasizes the crucial role of community support in sustaining our organization and its lasting impact. “As PGA professionals across the Section, we consistently witness a growing need for our services. Recognizing the importance of community support, we are committed to making a positive difference.”
The 2024 Impact Report showcases the significant progress we have made to date. However, the need remains substantial, and securing additional support is essential for our continued success. The report demonstrates the Foundation’s transparency and our unwavering commitment to utilizing the power of golf to make a positive impact.
In 2025, we aspire to achieve our greatest success yet. We aim to expand our reach for support and hope that the value of golf will be recognized by both players and businesses outside the sport. Our “Partners Program” is nearing completion, and we envision it as a catalyst for driving impact into the Foundation and the communities we serve.
For more information about our efforts in 2025 and beyond, please visit our website.
