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Aussies Raise Record Amount of $204,237.00 for Birdies for Kids
 Seven Australians who all work in the golf industry in the north Texas area conducted the 5th Annual Birdies for Kids Fundraiser on Monday, August 18 at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas. The fundraiser consisted of playing 126 holes with the goal to make as many birdies and eagles as possible.
The group was again joined by Brett Hull this year. Hull, the Co-General Manager of the Dallas Stars, has played in the fundraiser for three consecutive years. Hull was asked to play in 2006 as the seven Aussies needed one more player to round out four twosomes for the day.
In addition to Hull, the Aussies who participated were: Stuart Deane, PGA Member from Arlington; Nick Griffin, an assistant professional at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas; Travis Johns, an assistant professional at Preston Trail Golf Club in Dallas; Jeremy Langdale, an assistant professional at Green Tree Country Club in Midland; Dean Larsson, an assistant professional at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas; Cameron McCormick, the director of instruction at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas and Mark Harrison, the director of operations with the Northern Texas PGA.
Hull, an honorary Aussie for the day and the seven Texans by way of Australia were able to manage 213 birdies and six eagles throughout the day despite the wet conditions. This smashed the group’s previous best effort of 178 birdies and one eagle that they made in 108 holes last year.
“Through four rounds this year we had 112 birdies and six eagles. Even though it was raining, as a group it just felt like we were playing better this year than in the past,” said Nick Griffin. The Aussies saved their best for the final 54 holes, when as a group they made 113 birdies, an average of almost five birdies per player, per round.
The fundraiser raised $204,237.00 during the day, beating the previous best mark of $194,199.00 that was raised last year. In just five years the fundraiser has generated $594,837.47 for various children’s charities. The Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation’s Golf-In-Schools Program and Children’s Medical Center will share the funds this year.
The Aussies asked members of the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation to become “honorary Aussies” for the summer to help raise money for kids. 30 kids participated by asking for support from friends, neighbors and relatives in an effort to raise money for the fundraiser. The kids raised $23,515.00 for the respective charities this year.
Johnny Antle, a senior at Graham High School in Graham, Texas was the leading fundraiser among the kids for the second consecutive year. Johnny raised $8,700.00. For his efforts he will receive a complete set of Titleist golf clubs as well as two round trip tickets to Australia on Qantas.
About the Charities
The Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation is committed to its mission of introducing the game of golf to children of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through the not-for-profit Foundation’s Golf in Schools Program, each year thousands of elementary, middle and high school kids are introduced to the game of golf through the school’s physical education curriculum. Each school that participates is provided golf clubs, teaching aids, training and golf professional expertise all at no charge.
Children’s Medical Center is a private, not-for-profit pediatric hospital. The hospital is dedicated exclusively to the comprehensive care of children from birth to age 18. The proceeds that will be donated to Children’s have been designated to purchase Giraffe Omnibeds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Each bed costs $50,000.00 and is designed specifically for the care of critically ill neonates. The beds can regulate body temperature and can also be ‘broken down’ when necessary to perform medical procedures.
If you would like to learn more about the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation or Children’s Medical Center, please visit the respective websites at www.ntpga.com or www.childrens.com.
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