Columbus, OH – When Team Ohio competes on golf’s biggest youth stage next month, they’ll be playing for more than a national title. The group of nine talented junior golfers, ages 10 to 13, will represent the Southern Ohio PGA Section at the PGA Jr. League National Championship, held November 18-20 at PGA Frisco in Texas and broadcast on ESPN. But while their sights are set on birdies and scoreboards, those birdies will mean something far greater back home.
In partnership with PGA REACH Southern Ohio and the Stuckey Firm, Team Ohio is inviting the community to pledge a donation for every birdie the team makes during the Championship. Proceeds will benefit PGA REACH Southern Ohio, the Section’s 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to supporting Veterans, youth and underserved communities through golf.
“Every birdie we make will help someone right here in Southern Ohio,” said Head Coach Chris Yoder, PGA, of Scioto Country Club. “Our kids are not only great players, they’re learning how golf can be a force for good.”
Team Ohio’s commitment to their community runs deep. Beyond their competitive success, the team regularly volunteers through Smiling Fore Life, a PGA REACH Southern Ohio program that brings the therapeutic benefits of golf to patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. The juniors spend time engaging with children and patients, helping and encouraging them around a SNAG Golf course. For a few brief moments, the children are able to put aside the emotional strain of illness to share some smiles and laughs.
This November, that same spirit drives their fundraising efforts. With four two-player teams competing over 36 holes, the group expects to make between 50 and 65 birdies, with each one turning into a donation toward programs that remove barriers to the game. Initiatives like “Clubs Fore Kids” which provides new golf equipment to students in need, the Veterans outreach program PGA HOPE Southern Ohio and other community-focused efforts that remind everyone that golf’s greatest gift is connection. The team’s campaign aims to raise $20,000 for PGA REACH Southern Ohio.
Click here to Make a Pledge today!
Spectators can follow Team Ohio’s rounds on ESPN 2 and ESPN+
“Golf has given these kids so much,” said Southern Ohio PGA Executive Director Patrick Salva. “The fact that they’re using their moment in the spotlight to give back says everything about who they are and what the Southern Ohio PGA stands for.”
As they head to Frisco, Team Ohio will chase two goals: a national championship trophy, and a brighter future through PGA REACH Southern Ohio.
