GOLF COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT AUSTRALIA BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

Golf’s global tours and federations have pledged their support to help those affected by Australia’s bushfire crisis.

Earlier today, the Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC), a collaboration of Australia’s golf industry bodies, created the Australian Golf Bushfire Fund. In support of this effort, five major tours – the LPGA Tour, the Ladies European Tour, the ALPG, the European Tour and the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia – have joined forces to donate $100,000 USD to the cause. All five tours are competing across Australia in the coming weeks.

In a joint statement, executive leadership from the five tours said, “Australia’s golf community and courses are among the finest in the world and our tours always look forward to playing in the country. Golf is known for its commitment to charity, and this fund provides a way to encourage additional contributions by golfers worldwide. All of our best wishes go to everyone who has been affected by these horrific fires.”

Those wishing to contribute to the Australian Golf Bushfire Fund can do so via a GoFundMe page as well as a designated bank account. The AGIC will direct distribution of the funds. More than 50% of the total raised will go to the Disaster Relief Recovery Fund run by the Australian Red Cross, with the remaining funds distributed to other bushfire-related charities, including wildlife funds, and to golf clubs impacted by the disaster.

Numerous players have also made individual pledges of support, including past ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open champions Jessica Korda and Nelly Korda, two-time Australian PGA Championship winner Cameron Smith, and Australian favorites Sarah Kemp and Lucas Herbert.

Note to editors: The executive leaders of the five tours are as follows: Mike Whan, LPGA Tour; Alexandra Armas, Ladies European Tour; Karen Lunn, ALPG; Keith Pelley, European Tour; and Gavin Kirkman, ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.