Fundraising at the BMW PGA Championship 2014 surpassed last year’s total by the end of the third round, ensuring an impressive sum for the tournament’s Official Charity, Challengers.
New initiatives at Wentworth Club meant the 2013 total of £60,000 was reached on Saturday thanks to the generosity of players, sponsors and spectators. £30,000 was raised from Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am, with the professionals and amateurs donating their appearance fee and a ‘hit the green’ competition on the par three 14th hole.
More than £22,000 has been accrued from the £1 suggested donations for this programme, which has been distributed throughout the week by Challengers’ volunteers and staff. In the Championship Village, the 60th anniversary Mega Putt Challenge has proved a popular attraction, with spectators paying £5 to have three attempts at holing a 60ft putt. Those lucky enough to hole in one have been entered into a daily draw to win a Scotty Cameron putter.
The HSBC Road Hole Challenge, where fans attempt to play out of a replica Road Hole bunker, has also been a huge success. For every bunker shot holed, the Tour Players Foundation, the charitable arm of The European Tour, has donated £100, which has been matched by HSBC.
Additionally, Hugo Boss, the Official Clothing Supplier to the tournament, has added a specially commissioned polo shirt to their onsite store, with ten percent of every sale going to Challengers. This has raised more than £8,000.
Challengers is dedicated to providing exciting and challenging play and leisure opportunities for disabled children and young people through their play and youth centers in Guilford and Farnham, as well as a range of community based projects across Surrey and surrounding areas
David Park, European Tour Charity Executive, said: “We are extremely pleased to see everyone at the Championship getting behind the fundraising initiatives for Challengers this week. It’s fantastic to know that we have already surpassed last year and we look forward to seeing what the final total will be for Challengers.”
Laura Sercombe, Chief Executive of Challengers, said: “We’re thrilled by this incredible result, which will provide play for local and disabled children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience real fun like their peers. We would like to thank all the people who made this possible.”
