The Nationwide Tour Championship
at Barona Creek Golf Club
was played in November and 25
players earned their PGA TOUR
cards for this year.
Other major winners from the event were the local Red Cross fire relief efforts and San Diego's Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Ronald McDonald House Charities raises $116,000
Just prior to the event, the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Insurance announced their "Birdies For Relief" program that earned local organizations $206,000. Both groups donated $100 each for every birdie made (1,030) during the event for a total donation of $206,000 to help with the Red Cross fire relief.
In addition, the Century Club and Barona Creek Golf Club also donated the course for a Monday golf tournament for Ronald McDonald House Charities that resulted in a $116,000 windfall for their new building project.
$206,000 Donated to Local Red Cross Fire Relief Efforts for "Birdies for Relief"
The Century Club also waived all event admission fees but asked for a donation from patrons to go directly to the Red Cross efforts and $6,825 was contributed to the cause.
Nationwide Insurance further donated Pro-Am spots as their focus was directed to concentrating their efforts on assisting customers and supporting local relief efforts. Invites were then extended to 28 San Diego firefighters who had worked long hours during the fires to participate in the Barona Pro-Am.
"The Century Club was thrilled with the success of Birdies for Relief program conducted by the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Insurance. They were both incredible partners, along with Barona, in helping us get through the devastation we faced throughout San Diego," said Jeff Byroads, 2008 President and General Chairman of the Century Club.
"The firefighters had a great time after such a grueling week to take a break and play in the Barona Pro- Am with the world's fastest-rising stars. We were also pleased to partner with Barona Creek Golf Club to assist Ronald McDonald House with their golf event. It was an incredible week of golf and community spirit."