West Allis, WI (April 20, 2022) – The Wisconsin Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (WPGA) commemorates its 100-year anniversary with the 100 Holes For 100 Years fundraiser (#WPGA100Holesfor100Years). WPGA professionals across the state will participate in a golf-focused challenge raising money for a non-profit organization of their choice and for PGA REACH Wisconsin, the charitable foundation of the Wisconsin PGA. The foundation impacts youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.

As the campaign name indicates, PGA professionals are challenged to play a total of 100 golf holes over the span of 100 days from May 2 to August 9. The fundraiser format is customizable with limitless fundraising potential. Golf professionals can play all 100 holes in one day, play one hole each day for 100 days or choose to split up the 100 holes divided amongst any number of days throughout the 100-day timeframe. Holes may be all played at one course or at up to 100 different courses at any golf venue throughout the state. They can play alone or invite others to participate in the fundraising initiative.

“Thrilled to provide members with a meaningful way to celebrate the milestone, this customizable fundraising platform will benefit both PGA REACH Wisconsin and local charities in the players’ home communities,” said Joe Stadler, Executive Director of WPGA since 1995 and WPGA member since 1990. “And the best part, all they have to do is play golf, lots of golf!”

The public is invited to help celebrate 100 years of WPGA by donating through the Givebutter online platform. Donations received by each golf professional’s campaign will be evenly split between the non-profit organization of choice and PGA REACH Wisconsin. For more information, registration and for donations, visit https://givebutter.com/wpga100years.

Golf venues are showing support for the initiative by donating their courses for 100 Holes For 100 Years participants to play complimentary. Confirmed host sites include:

  • The Club at Lac La Belle (Oconomowoc) – May 2
  • Minocqua Country Club (Minocqua) – Date to be determined
  • Additional host sites to be announced

“This engaging fundraiser gives our members a chance to play golf all while growing the game and raising funds for deserving partner charities,” said Erika Pirkl, PGA, WPGA Director of Player Development. “The initiative is designed to make a difference by impacting and reaching local communities across Wisconsin.”

To encourage PGA golf professionals to commit to the fundraiser, the WPGA will host a 100 Holes for 100 Years Closest to the Hole Competition on April 25 at Beloit Club (Beloit). The competition will be held during the Pro-Pro Better Ball, one of the first WPGA tournaments of the 2022 season. The winner will have their choice of two rounds of golf on The Straits Course at Whistling Straits (Kohler) or a $230 entry fee credit towards a future WPGA tournament. The unselected prize will be randomly given to one of the remaining participants.

Wisconsin is one of three PGA Sections celebrating a centennial in 2022. Wisconsin, Michigan and Pacific Northwest sections were all established in 1922. These sections join only four other sections that have reached this milestone – Metropolitan (1916), New England (1916), Philadelphia (1921), and Illinois (1921) – since the PGA of America’s founding in 1916.

About the Wisconsin PGA Section
The Wisconsin Section is one of the 41 sections that comprise the regional entities of the PGA of America. Over 500 members and associates belong to the Wisconsin Section, stretching from areas in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to almost the entire state of Wisconsin. Annually, the Wisconsin Section conducts over 40 professional events, operates their foundation – PGA Reach Wisconsin, and participates in several growth-of-the-game activities including PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Hope. Wisconsin PGA Office is located at 11350 W. Theo Trecker Way in West Allis, Wis.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of nearly 28,000 male and female golf professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The organization serves millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions.

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CONTACT:
For more information, photos and to schedule interviews:
Beth O’Reilly of O’Reilly Public Relations at bethoreillypr@gmail.com
Amelia DeCeanne, PGA WORKS Fellow of Wisconsin Section PGA at adeceanne@pgahq.com