USGA Joins Other Major U.S. Golf Organizations To Create Tsunami Relief Fund


January 10, 2005 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. -- The major U.S. golf organizations, which includes the United States Golf Association, today announced the creation of the U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts following the catastrophic tsunami that ravaged 11 Pacific-rim nations last month.

"The tragic events of December 26 are not easily overlooked by any who have seen the images and heard the stories from Southeast Asia," said USGA President Fred S. Ridley. "We have been saddened by the tragic loss of life and horrendous destruction, and are compelled to reach out, together with our (USGA) Members and volunteers, as part of the global effort to support the families of the victims of this tragedy and those who survived." 

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem echoed those sentiments.

"It has been a sobering experience to witness the devastation and destruction following the tsunami of December 26," said Finchem. "Golf is a global sport, and now, we, in the United States, must provide assistance on the global stage. Through the U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund, our players, tournaments, many of the major golf organizations in the United States and the Tournament Players Clubs (TPCs) are uniting to help the shattered region begin its recovery process."

"We are pleased to provide support in relief of this great human tragedy," said Hootie Johnson, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. "The lives of countless individuals have been affected and we are glad that we are able to help."

"While we are half a world away, the devastating images in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster have touched all of us," said Roger Warren, president of the PGA of America. "It is heartening to see the U.S. golf community come together in order to assist the massive rebuilding effort that lies ahead for the nations affected by the natural disaster. On behalf of The PGA of America's 28,000 men and women professionals, we are pleased to support this industry-wide contribution to relief efforts."

Said LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw: "With so much destruction, so many lives lost, our players were quick to ask the question posed by countless others across the globe: What can we do to help? The creation of the U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund gives a direction for the efforts of our players, the LPGA Tour and the golf community as a whole. While it will take an incredible worldwide effort to restore any semblance of normal life to the ravaged countries, we are hopeful that our contributions will make a difference in this massive recovery and rebuilding effort."

The U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund will work with the office of former President George Bush on the specific details concerning the disbursement of funds. Last week, President George W. Bush appointed his father, former President George Bush, and his predecessor, former President Bill Clinton, to lead a nationwide charity fundraising drive.

Through the combined efforts of all involved, the U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund hopes to generate $2 million for the cause. The U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund also recognizes the efforts of the International Relief Golf Fund that was recently launched by the European Tour. Sir Michael Bonallack, the former Secretary of the Royal and Ancient, will be the Chairman of the International Relief Golf Fund.

Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to:

The U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund
P.O. Box 2904
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 32004-2904