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Chipping Meets Charity This Summer: Golfers Can Now “Play It Forward” with The Giving Tees
Actor Will Ferrell golfing at the Cancer for College Tournament.
Ever wanted to round out that Sunday golf swing with the warm, fuzzy feeling of philanthropy? Well, now you can. Craig Pollard, owner of Global Tour Golf, has recently launched his new charity called “The Giving Tees” out of Vista, California, and since 2011, has taken it nationwide.
“As a company, we are always looking at ways to add value to a round of golf,” explains Pollard. “Creating a product that all golfers use with the benefit of helping worthy charities seemed like the perfect match.” No pun intended.
Pollard is himself a two-time cancer survivor and amputee. After starting Cancer for College, which began as a small charity golf tournament in 1993 at his alma mater, University of Southern California, he continued on to create and inspire many more charity organizations, including The Giving Tees. With the help of long-time friend and famous fraternity brother, Will Ferrell, the golf tournament won prestige and recognition, providing over $1.75 million in scholarships to over 1,000 cancer survivors.
Ferrell himself plays almost every year and calls Cancer for College “one of the purest charities he has ever seen.”
For every bag of Giving Tees sold, which come in packs of 100, Global Tour Golf will donate $1 to charity. Those involved (as of now) include Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, City of Hope Medical Center, Cancer for College and Habitat for Humanity. Retailers purchasing 48 packs or more can specify the charity for their donation, and anyone can call or email with suggestions for more charities to be added to the list.
The tees are 3 ¼” long performance tees made from recycled plastic, with the organization’s slogan “Play It Forward” scrawled on the side. As Pollard explains, “The Giving Tees provide a simple way for the golf community to give back.” And, of course, it can’t be bad for your golf game. If anything, the golf gods would probably smile kindly on your next 30-yard shot from the bunker if you were using tees that helped send a Leukemia patient to college.
Even Will Ferrell agrees it’s kind of a big deal.
Email questions to Craig@ggolf.com or call (760) 599-9339 ex 801 for more information.
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