$460,000 Raised at the Inaugural Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash
Palm Beach Gardens, Fl - Over $460,000 was raised by South Florida PGA Professionals who made 1,070 birdies during the Honda Classic Cares Play Yellow Birdie Bash Monday at PGA National. The funds raised will impact the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

The 44 PGA Professionals who competed took on PGA National’s newly redesigned, Match course and the newly introduced, par-3 Staple course. With each birdie made backed by donor pledges, the 22 teams played a scramble format for 81 holes, vying to make as many birdies as possible.
“We made a lot of birdies today, and the fact that it was for the kids, we would stand over a putt and say it is for the kids, that is what it is all about,” said Lynn Valentine, PGA of Broken Sound Club.
The $460,000 raised marks the largest single fundraiser that the South Florida PGA has ever administered. Eric Veilleux, PGA and Ryan Fountain, PGA, representing the Bear’s Club, earned the top fundraising team with over $77,000 raised. Ryan Leahey, assistant golf professional at the Bear’s Club and Jeff Hall, PGA director of golf at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, carded the most birdies with 64.
“Honestly I didn't really know what expectations to have today, but I would say what happened today, far exceeded anything that we would have thought of, '' said South Florida PGA Executive Director, Geoff Lofstead. “We have been able to raise a lot of money to help a lot of local charities here in south Florida.”
The historic day ended with a special ceremony including speeches from Ken Kennerly, executive director of the Honda Classic, Lofstead and Jack and Baraba Nicklaus, founders of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
Each speaker expressed their gratitude towards every PGA Professional and to all the donors that made this event possible.
“Thank you for helping us touch so many hearts,” said Barbara Nicklaus. “that is what it is all about.”
Special Highlights:
- Over $460,000 raised to benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation
- 1,070 total birdies made
- Individual team top fundraiser: Eric Veilleux and Ryan Fountain ($77,450)
- Most Birdies made by a team: Jeff Hall and Ryan Leahey (64)
To view photos from the day, click here.
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