CT Section PGA 'Birdie Barrage' Raises $80K-Plus For CCMC, Foundation

GLASTONBURY, CT — Thirty golf professionals teed it up this week in a two-person scramble event with the task of making as many birdies as possible to raise funds in support of the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation and Connecticut Children’s Medial Center.

The event, Birdies Fore Brighter Futures, challenged the pros to solicit donations from their supporters in the form of per-birdie pledges or flat donations.

Fifteen teams of two managed to make 238 birdies over 36-holes of play at Shuttle Meadow Country Club in Kensington. The birdie barrage led to more than $80,000 raised to be split evenly between the two charitable organizations.

Following each birdie made, the golf professionals sounded air horns in celebration, making for a louder than normal golf course experience. The added party-like atmosphere made for a fun competition amongst the participants.

Marc Bayram (Timberlin G.C.) from team Hard Hittin’ said, "It's great to get together with fellow golf professionals and raise money for two great charities. We appreciate some of the Veterans coming out today from PGA HOPE and we look to make this even bigger next year."

Amanda Barone (Great River G.C.) from team Birdie-Fly Effect emphasized, "We encourage all women to be a part of this event, it was a beautiful day, 36-holes, you have a partner to make birdies with so it’s just a whole lot of fun."

Kurt Knotts the Managr of Philanthropic Events for the Connecticut Children’s Foundation, who attended the event said, "It was such a privilege for Connecticut Children's to be a part of this amazing event. Seeing the golfer's faces light up around our patient ambassadors, bringing our mission to life, was heartening. We look forward to growing our partnership with the Connecticut Section PGA and bringing on more local golf professionals to this incredibly successful event."

The Glastonbury-based Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation annually underwrites PGA HOPE, which conducts programming to assimilate military veterans into everyday life through golf, and the Connecticut Section PGA Junior Golf Association which operates more than 25 events for youth golfers aged 8 to 18.

The foundation has granted out more than $1 million since its inception in 1995 to beneficiaries including Special Olympics, Gaylord Hospital and the First Tee of Connecticut.