Thanks for Golf World's Charities Issue

Monday, November 15, 2010 Comments

Golf World's first Charities Issue struck a chord. It reminded readers that golf generates an incredible amount of charity dollars--$3.4 billion by some estimates--and that tour professionals are a huge contributor to that. The listing of tour-pro charities and especially the story of Brad Faxon's and Billy Andrade's Charities for Children drew immediate response.

I'm a long-time Golf World subscriber, and I believe the dual articles, "Oasis of Hope" and "Helping Hands," are by far the most important and uplifting pieces you've ever published -- absolutely inspired editorship and writing. I encourage you to print much more about the ongoing efforts of the Tour and its great people to help others less fortunate. How about each week, or at least once a month, spotlighting one of the causes such as those noted in "Helping Hands" with a full article that provides web site addresses and contact information so that inspired, caring readers might easily act to donate or volunteer on behalf of these wonderful organizations? I believe this has every bit as much a place as a regular feature of Golf World as any golf course or equipment information you provide. It reminds us of human frailty, that we are all in this life together, and of the beautiful, loving people that play our game. Thank you for a great issue.

David Younker, Aliso Viejo, CA

Thank you for recognizing the charitable work of Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade in your recent article Oasis of Hope in the November 1st issue. I am privileged to have been a board member of the Andrade/Faxon Charities for Children Foundation since its inception. I have personally witnessed the wonderful work that Billy and Brad, along with their wives, Jody and Dory have done to help fund children's related charities over the years. They are sincerely and genuinely concerned for the welfare of needy children and have worked tirelessly to raise funds. It is a great deal of work for them but it is for a great cause and they throughly enjoy it. I also applaud your recognition of the other golf related charities in the November 1st issue.

Denny Glass, Barrington, RI

Enjoyed the article. iThe money tour pros generate is indeed signficant. It might be interesting to your readers to be made aware of local groups which also generate funds for their community charities. We have a group of 90 local businessmen who have formed a group called "Racing Mules." Me have a tournament once a month at area golf courses where we raise funds through our competitions as well as enjoy "buddy" time at the tournament. We have many ways we generate the funds. This year we donated $15, 000 to area charities and in the short time we have existed have donated in excess of $100,000. This is small time compared to the pros, but significant in our valley.

Bryan Whiting, Glenwood Springs, CO

Congratulations, Bryan, for your great work. It's the efforts of thousands of charities like yours that add up to those billions of dollars. You're right; the tours and their professionals do a great job. But so do amateurs like you who are making huge differences in your communities.

David, thank you for your suggestions. Great ideas.

Bob Carney