Charity events and fundraisers are taking place around the world to help doctors, nurses and first responders who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are also working hard to help people who have been laid off or furloughed get food and other necessities. Several golf brands are stepping up and helping too. Here’s how you can get involved, help maybe score some cool gear.
Acushnet (FootJoy, Titleist)
On Thursday morning, Acushnet announced that it is auctioning 12 “experiences” to the highest bidder, with all the proceeds raised being donated to CDP COVID-19 Response Fund; the United Way chapters of Greater New Bedford and San Diego County ( most Titleist and FootJoy employees live and work) and the Golf Emergency Relief Fund.
Among the items up for bid are rounds of golf with Webb Simpson and Ian Poulter, as well as a round of golf with Justin Thomas and with a lesson from his father, PGA of America pro Mike Thomas. Golfers can also try to win lessons from Butch Harmon, Peter Kostis, Michael Breed, James Sieckmann, Brad Faxon and Jordan’s Spieth coach, Cameron McCormick. Bob Vokey has donated a wedge fitting and Scotty Cameron has also donated a putter fitting, while Jim Nantz is offering a Pebble Beach experience to the highest bidder.
The week-long online auction is open now at chipin.ralleyup.com/charitygolfauction and closes April 30 at 9 p.m. EDT.
Adidas
The maker of golf apparel and footwefar for stars like Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Paula Creamer and Xander Schaufelle is donating $2 to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for every purchase of $20 or more on the Adidas smartphone app and at adidas.com.
Honma
The Japanese club maker known for high-end woods and irons has started two fundraisers.
The Pick Up Your Pro charity promotion encourages golfers to donate either $10, $25, $50 or $100 for a chance to win one of eight different prizes. The items available include a Honma gear package ($10), a pre-release set of custom TW4 wedges ($25), a Honma mobile fitting experience ($50) and a TR20 package that includes new drivers, irons and wedges ($100).
Honma’s goal is to raise $50,000 for the PGA of America’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund and all of the promotions are running now through May 15. The drawings will be held May 20 and youy can learn more at https://honmagolf.rallyup.com.
In addition, Honma is donating 10 percent of all the proceeds from sales at honma.com to Golf Emergency Relief Fund until May 30.
As John Kawaja, Honma’s president said in a release, “Even simple gestures can have a significant impact during this crisis, so we appreciate every bit of support golfers can lend to the folks who make this industry special.”