HOUSTON, Texas (April 6, 2021) – The Spirit Golf Association (SGA) announces the launch of The Spirit’s Drive to End Cancer, a partnership between SGA, 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,” said Charlie Epps, President, SGA. “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 will kick off at Whispering Pines Golf Club, home to the SGA, in Trinity, Texas 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. More information and tournament-hosting kits are available at the Drive to End Cancer website: https://www.thespiritgolf.com/drive-to-end-cancer.
“There are more than 29,000 PGA Professionals in the United States and thousands more golf professionals throughout the world. 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,” Epps said.
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 a course construction 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 and to benefit charitable causes on a local, national and international level. Whispering Pines is ranked #1 in Texas and was recently ranked #21 in the top 200 modern courses in the country by Golfweek.
Media Contacts:
Shelby DeVore | Spirit Golf Association, sdevore@spiritgolf.org, c: 806-676-1057
Tammy Boclair | Alday Public Relations, tammy@aldaypr.com, c: 615-500-2930