The
Spirit Golf Association recently announced the launch of The Spirit’s Drive to
End Cancer, a partnership between SGA, TGA, PGA Professionals and golf clubs
nationwide to benefit research initiatives at The University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center. Beginning this spring, golf clubs around the country
can host local tournaments honoring those facing cancer with proceeds from the
events going to MD Anderson.
“The
Spirit Golf Association wants to invite golfers everywhere to help us end
cancer,” SGA President Charlie Epps said. “Whether it is your own journey, or
that of a family member or friend, everyone has a personal history with this
disease. The Spirit’s Drive to End Cancer was created to bring golfers together
and provide facilities the opportunity to host events honoring those we’ve lost
or who are struggling with this disease. The funds generated will be donated to
MD Anderson, one of the world’s most respected centers for cancer research and
care.”
The
Drive to End Cancer kicks off at Whispering Pines Golf Club, home to the SGA,
on May 17. The SGA will host the first event in honor of Houston business
leader and cancer survivor Ralph McIngvale, brother of Jim McIngvale, who is
also known as “Mattress Mack” of Gallery Furniture.
Any
PGA Professional or club/facility can host their own event this year, honoring
or recognizing someone special who has faced cancer. For more information and
tournament-hosting kits, please visit the Drive
to End Cancer website.
“There
are more than 29,000 PGA Professionals in the U.S. and thousands more golf
professionals throughout the world,” Epps said. “Our industry has shown before
that it can move mountains, and The Spirit’s Drive to End Cancer is a
tremendous opportunity for all of us to band together to eliminate cancer while
honoring those we love or have lost.”
The
SGA has raised more than $13 million for education, health and community impact
causes in Texas since 2000. The organization now turns its focus to supporting
a local facility that has a worldwide impact, with a goal of raising millions
to help end cancer.
The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the
world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care,
research, education and prevention. MD Anderson’s mission is to eliminate
cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world. For more information, visit mdanderson.org.
About
the Spirit Golf Association: The
Spirit Golf Association, 501(c)(3), serves as the host for The
Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship. Contributors to the Spirit Golf
Association, 501(c)(3), receive playing privileges at Whispering Pines Golf
Club. In addition, SGA also hosts the Spirit Charity Challenge featuring Spirit
alumni and Spirit Hall of Fame Game which features local sports Hall of Famers
and celebrities.
About
Whispering Pines Golf Club: Whispering
Pines Golf Club recently completed an extensive course renovation project and re-opened in the fall of 2020. Just 80 miles north of Houston
along the shores of Lake Livingston, Whispering Pines Golf Club is one of the
best private golf clubs in the country. The club was founded not only to offer
its discerning contributors a superior golf experience on an exceptional
course, but it also was created to promote amateur golf. Whispering Pines is
ranked #1 in Texas and was recently ranked #21 in the top 200 modern courses in
the country by Golfweek.