LIV GOLF GIVES BACK TO HOUSTON COMMUNITY THROUGH LEAGUE’S “POTENTIAL, UNLEASHED” IMPACT INITIATIVE
Houston, TX (June 10, 2024) – Through LIV Golf’s “Potential, Unleashed” impact and sustainability initiative, the League and its teams gave back through a variety of community events during LIV Golf Houston, which took place June 7-9 at the Golf Club of Houston. Many of the League’s biggest stars, including Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Kevin Na, Joaquin Niemann, LIV Golf Houston individual champion Carlos Ortiz, and more, gave their time and efforts to a variety of causes, including supporting the military, families battling cancer, student service organizations, environmental projects, and individuals with developmental disabilities. LIV Golf also supported local disaster relief efforts as part of the League’s year-round efforts to positively impact communities in tournament host cities around the world.
LIV GOLF HOUSTON DISASTER RELIEF DONATION TO ANGEL BY NATURE
Recent storms and severe flooding have caused significant damage, displacing many residents and overwhelming local resources. Ahead of the tournament, the LIV Golf League donated to Angel by Nature to support flood response and recovery efforts in Houston. Founded in 2008, Angel by Nature is a non-profit organization that provides disaster relief and community support in Houston, often repairing homes at a fraction of the cost quoted by other organizations. Founded by Houston rapper Trae tha Truth, the organization also runs programs for underserved youth, promoting community involvement and leadership.
“It is truly an honor and a blessing to know help doesn’t go unnoticed. I was shocked at the donation LIV Golf gave to my organization. This will make our efforts even bigger and can assist many more people with the work being done. It is hurricane season and now it’s also tornado season for us; we will be active like always and continue to be there for those in need with boots on the ground. This donation shows LIV Golf truly cares about helping the Houston community and Angel By Nature.” – Trae Tha Truth, Angel by Nature Founder
HYFLYERS GC COMMUNITY EVENT WITH BUNKERS IN BAGHDAD
HyFlyers GC, featuring Phil Mickelson, Andy Ogletree, Cameron Tringale and Brendan Steele, joined forces with Joe Hanna, President and Founder of Bunkers in Baghdad, a non-profit organization that collects new and used golf equipment, to donate to VA hospitals and ship overseas to soldiers stationed around the world. The initiative was partly inspired by LIV Golf commentator David Feherty’s experiences with USO Tours in Kuwait and Iraq, where he led efforts to open a driving range for soldiers at Camp Victory.
Last week, HyFlyers and Feherty welcomed a group of local youths to support the military and discuss how golf can positively impact the armed forces. They also decorated golf balls and wrote notes to deployed soldiers, participated in putting competitions, and honored the late Jackie Burke, Jr., a U.S. Marine and two-time major champion from Houston. HyFlyers GC further supported Bunkers in Baghdad by collecting golf ball donations in a special bin at the entrance of the LIV Golf Houston tournament near the Fan Village. For every 12 golf balls donated, HyFlyers GC provided a one-day grounds pass for the event at the Golf Club of Houston.
“Establishing this partnership with Pro Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, his wife Amy, and the great golfers on the HyFlyers presents an exceptional opportunity for Bunkers in Baghdad to make a significant impact not only on the lives of our brave men and women by sending them gifts from home, but also for their children. We were delighted to spend time with these wonderful Houston-area military families representing all branches of our military through our ‘Bunkers Buddies’ program to collaborate on sending personalized messages to our troops overseas and here at home. In planting this seed with the next generation about the importance of kindness and service to others, we can instill in our children the very values our troops embody. We are truly honored to be part of this phenomenal partnership.” – Joseph M. Hanna, Bunkers in Baghdad President.
CLICK HERE FOR PHIL MICKELSON SOUNDBITES AND B-ROLL
4ACES GC HOSTED GOLF CLINIC FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES WITH AUSTIN & FRIENDS
4Aces GC, featuring Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Harold Varner III and Pat Perez, invited Austin & Friends Foundation to the Golf Club of Houston where they received a behind-the-scenes experience in LIV Golf’s press conference area. The players had one-on-one conversations with each “Friend” and ensured they had a memorable, impactful experience. The Austin & Friends Foundation was established by golf enthusiast and PGA of America professional Jason Alexander, whose son Austin was diagnosed with Sotos Syndrome. The organization builds a community of support for parents with special needs children while providing signature outings throughout the year to make long-lasting memories.
“What a wonderful experience we enjoyed with the 4Aces GC with Austin and his amazing ‘Friends’. LIV Golf allowed our group of special needs kids to meet and spend time with Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, Pat Perez, and Harold Varner III. They gave the kids hugs, asked about their interests, met their parents, talked golf, signed autographs, and made a lifetime’s worth of memories for these magical kids to take home with them. LIV Golf is a special league that truly makes an impact in every community they are in. Austin & Friends is so very fortunate to have spent time with LIV Golf and its players.” – Jason Alexander, Austin & Friends Founder and ProShow Host
SMASH GC AWARDED ITS FIRST “SMASH FOR SUCCESS” SCHOLARSHIP
At LIV Golf Houston, Smash GC featuring Brooks Koepka, Talor Gooch, Graeme McDowell and Jason Kokrak awarded its first scholarship through its “Smash for Success” program, the team’s community initiative to empower young people through golf. The recipient, Isaac Westbrook, and his parents were flown to LIV Golf Houston to enjoy the tournament with the ultimate VIP experience where he played in the pro-am alongside Smash GC member Talor Gooch, and had a special moment on the first tee before the Shotgun Start on day one.
“It’s just incredible when someone does something for your child, it just speaks to your heart. He loves golf, he’s always loved golf, so for this to happen is just a dream come true.” – Christi Westbrook, Isaac’s mother
“It’s unbelievable. When he put in for it, we had no idea that he would even have a chance to get it. We’re very blessed and very appreciative. Everybody has been so wonderful and I’m just so happy for him that he got to experience this today.” – Mac Westbrook, Isaac’s father
STINGER GC SUPPORT FOR SUNSHINE KIDS AND MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Stinger GC, featuring Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, Brandon Grace, and Charl Schwartzel, invited the Sunshine Kids Foundation, an organization that provides group activities and opportunities for children with cancer, to the LIV Golf Houston tournament. For each of the 133 birdies made by a member of the Stingers in Adelaide, Singapore and Houston, funds were donated to purchase screening vouchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center. These vouchers will be distributed to charities supporting women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
IRON HEADS GC “GREEN UP” EVENT AT HERMANN PARK GOLF COURSE
On Tuesday, June 4, members of the Iron Heads GC hosted an event to “Green Up” the Hermann Park Golf Course with local representatives from Journey Through 18 and Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, sourced through Trill Golf. Trill Golf is dedicated to promoting the game of golf through community engagement and innovative events. By creating inclusive and exciting experiences, Trill Golf aims to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all ages. Their events bring together community members for environmental stewardship and golf clinics, fostering a love for the game while making a positive impact. With a focus on youth development and community involvement, Trill Golf is redefining the traditional golf experience. This impactful event involved filling divots, picking up trash, and repairing the greens, leaving the course better than the group found it. Iron Heads GC also gave the participating youth team merchandise and tickets to the tournament.
“It was an amazing event! Trill Golf thanks the Iron Heads team for helping us ‘Green Up’ Hermann Park and spending time with local junior golfers. The kids from Journey Through 18 and other local junior golfers had a blast at the hands-on golf clinic and loved every moment with Team Iron Heads.” – Chris Gandy, Trill Golf Co-Founder
ADDITIONAL LIV GOLF LEAGUE POTENTIAL, UNLEASHED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Teaming up with the Sports Authority Foundation and Angel by Nature, LIV Golf and Torque GC players Joaquin Niemann, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastián Muñoz and Mito Pereira hosted a group of young people, some with unique abilities, for a special experience at LIV Golf Houston. The guests enjoyed youth golf activities followed by a nature and sustainability discussion presented by the Houston Parks Board, which works to expand, improve, and protect parks and greenspace in the Houston region. The Sports Authority Foundation provides sports-focused resources, events, and education to Houston’s youth and empowers the Greater Houston community through sports-related events and programs.
“It is an honor to partner with LIV Golf and its players to support the Sports Authority Foundation’s adapted sports programming. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our Abilities in Motion athletes to play with the pros and enjoy a thrilling golf weekend. Through ongoing support like this, the Sport Authority Foundation can continue to create accessible sporting opportunities for our community and grow our programming throughout the region.” – John Coppins, Harris County, Houston Sports Authority Sr. Director of Events
At the LIV Golf Houston tournament, the Fan Village featured the Little Links Golf School, offering young enthusiasts an opportunity to learn and enjoy the game. Additionally, the tournament featured participants from Abilities in Motio
n, an initiative of the Sports Authority Foundation that promotes inclusivity on the course, and the Fairway Futures Program, LIV Golf’s global volunteer and mentorship program that is specifically targeted at providing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with a unique opportunity to experience working in golf.
WHAT IS POTENTIAL, UNLEASHED?
“Potential, Unleashed”
is LIV Golf’s impact and sustainability strategy, designed to enable and inspire a better tomorrow through the game of golf. This strategy includes several programs:
• LIV to Learn:
Supports young people who lack educational opportunities and skills, helping them thrive and fulfill their potential.
• Transform the Game:
A paid training program that creates pathways to employment in the golf industry, especially for individuals from traditionally excluded communities.
• LIV Green:
Focuses on delivering more sustainable events and discovering methods to reduce the golf industry’s impact on the planet.
• The Way We LIV:
Ensures the highest standards in sustainable event delivery, diversity, equity, and inclusion to support the local communities where we work and play.
To learn more, visit
LIVGolf.com/potential-unleashed
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