Golf notes: Ryder Cup benefits local charities
While players don’t receive prize money for competing in the Ryder Cup, they are compensated in other ways.
The PGA of America directs $2.6 million -- $200,000 for the captain and each of the 12 players – to be given to charitable organizations and colleges. Each player designates $100,000 to the charity of his choice, $50,000 to the college or university of his choice and $50,000 to the Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy that will launch in 2011.
Many local charities and schools benefited from the Ryder Cup giving.
Stewart Cink of Duluth, a Georgia Tech graduate, gave $50,000 to his old school. He broke up his community outreach funds more than any other player on the team, with funds going to Cross Pointe Church ($7,500), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta ($10,000), Pregnancy Resource Center of Gwinnett ($22,500), Search Ministries ($5,000), Healing Place: A Center for Loss and Change ($20,000), Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Ministry ($5,000), Greater Atlanta Christian School ($22,500) and the Golf Coaches Association of America ($7,500).
Matt Kuchar, a new resident of St. Simons, gave his $50,000 college funds to Coastal College of Georgia in Brunswick. Kuchar also gave $45,000 to Camp Twin Lakes, $45,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville and $10,000 to the Palmer Cup.
Bubba Watson, a University of Georgia graduate, gave $50,000 to the school. He gave $40,000 to Highlands Community Church, $40,000 to Greenwood Hills Wesleyan Church and $20,000 to Birdies for the Brave.
Captain Corey Pavin gave $25,000 of his designated college funds to Spelman College. The American Junior Golf Association, based in Braselton, got a $10,000 gift from Hunter Mahan. Kuchar wasn't the only player to give college money to a school other than his alma mater. Phil Mickelson designated $50,000 to the University of San Diego, where his brother Tim is the golf coach.
PGA Tour
Heath Slocum of Milton won the inaugural McGladrey Classic last weekend at Sea Island, his fourth victory on the PGA Tour. Slocum had only five bogeys all week on the Seaside Course. He bogeyed his first hole, then went 50 holes before getting another. The win pushed Slocum into 29th place on the money list. The top 30 at the end of the season earn invitations to the Master and U.S. Open. ... Charles Howell III of Augusta shot a 62 in the final round, his best round of the year, and tied for sixth. ... Georgia Tech grad Troy Matteson will defend his title this week at the Frys.com Open. He's won the event twice. ...
The Wanamaker Trophy, given annually to the winner of the PGA Championship, will be on display at Saturday’s Georgia Tech football game. Kuchar, the former Tech All-American, and officials from the 93rd PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club will join Tech officials to present members of the school's golf team with their 2010 ACC championship rings. ...
British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen had to withdraw from the PGA Grand Slam of Golf after damaging ligaments on his left ankle while home in South Africa. He will be replaced by David Toms, who will join U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, PGA champion Martin Kaymer and Ernie Els for the 36-hole event Oct. 18-20 in Bermuda.
Seniors
Sonny Skinner, the teaching pro at River Pointe Golf Club in Albany, tied for sixth at the PGA Senior Professional National Championship at Indian Wells, Calif. Skinner earned an exemption into the 2011 Senior PNC, as well as a spot in the 2011 Senior PGA Championship.
Etc.
Kelly Massey Gordon, a University of Georgia graduate, has been hired to oversee East Coast operations for Tom Hoch, a popular designer and remodeler of golf clubhouses. Hoch has gained a reputation for helping clubs create more functional space in their clubhouses with its "revenue-based design" model that is cost-sensitive for the clubs.
