6TH ANNUAL BIRDIES FOR KIDS FUNDRAISER
Brook Hollow Golf Club - Dallas, Texas
Monday, August 24, 2009

Aussies Raise $130,428.00 in Birdies for Kids Fundraiser

Dallas, TX – Six Australians who all work or have worked in the golf industry in the north Texas area conducted the 6th Annual Birdies for Kids Fundraiser on Monday, August 24 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 Executive Vice-President of the Dallas Stars, has played in the fundraiser for four consecutive years. Hull was asked to play in 2006 as the group of Aussies needed one more player to round out four twosomes for the day.

In addition to Hull, the Aussies that participated were: Nick Griffin, an assistant professional at L.B. Houston Golf Course in Dallas; Travis Johns, a former assistant professional at Preston Trail Golf Club in Dallas who now resides in Illinois; 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 six Texans by way of Australia were able to manage 188 birdies and 11 eagles throughout the day. The Aussies saved their best for the final round, when as a group they made 33 birdies and three eagles, an average of almost five birdies per player, per round.

The fundraiser raised $130,428.00 during the day. In six years the fundraiser has generated $727,724.97 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.

Again 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. 25 kids participated by asking for support from friends, neighbors and relatives in an effort to raise money for the fundraiser. The kids raised $15,005.00 for the respective charities this year.

Johnny Antle, who just graduated from Graham High School in Graham was the leading fundraiser of the kids that participated for a third consecutive year. Johnny raised $6,150.00. 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 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.

If you have any questions about the fundraiser, please contact the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation at (214) 420-7421.