History of Southwest Chapter PGA Tournament of Charities

The Tournament of Charities began in 1979 to raise funds for the Vince Smith Center, more commonly know to us as Southwest Florida Addiction Services. In 1979, only a handful of Club Golf Professionals participated and raised $1,200. Today we have five approved charities, which include The Vince Smith Center, PGA Art Soderholm Scholarship Fund, Junior Golf, Florida Gulf Coast University Men’s and Women’s Golf Program and the PGA/PGM Program at F.G.C.U.

This event has grown faithfully over the years due the continued support of the local golf communities and their PGA Professionals. The 2005 Tournament of Charities, through the participation of 17 club golf professionals raised more than $70,000. Now in its 28th year, the Tournament of Charities event has raised over $1,300,000 for our local charities. We are committed to continuing our tradition of supporting the Southwest Florida community.

Our primary source of funding for the Tournament of Charities comes in the form of donations from the many local golf clubs, country clubs and communities. The PGA golf staff at these facilities organizes and facilitates Birdie-A-Thons to raise money for the Tournament of Charities. These Birdie-A-Thons allow members to pledge any amount of money for each birdie made or a flat fee during the event. Then, the golf professional staff tees it up to see how many birdies they can make in a round of golf.

The Vince Smith Center provides a structured living and education situation for children with drug addiction. It is a residential facility that provides housing, education and discipline to aid in the development of these children. Through the Lee County School District, the children receive individualized educational programs to help advance their skill level. The Vince Smith Center’s goal is to provide a positive environment where children can grow to believe in themselves and their abilities without dependencies.

The PGA Art Soderholm Scholarship Fund provides qualified graduating high school seniors in Collier, Lee and Port Charlotte countries a $1,000 scholarship. In the past five years we have given $82,000 in scholarships. These graduating seniors have played multiple years on their respective golf teams and have outstanding academic and community service resumes.

Qualified Junior Golf Programs that operate inside the boundaries of the Southwest Chapter PGA have received $67,232 in the past five years. This includes programs that provide playing opportunities and/or instruction to children of all ages and skills. The Junior Golf Programs we sponsor are at the forefront of our desire to grow the game of golf in this area. Junior golf is the future of this game and our communities.

The Men’s and Women’s golf programs at Florida Gulf Coast University, as well as the PGA/LPGA program have developed into strong programs within our community. Through our five-year relationship, we have donated $60,000 to assist their quests in becoming the best programs in their respective areas of competition.

As Chapter and PGA Professionals, we understand the need and the importance of giving back to our community. The Tournament of Charities allows us to use our skills, resources and passion for the game of golf to give back to those in need. Growing the game of golf and community service is at the forefront of our core values as members of the SWFL community and PGA Professionals.