Tee Off For Good: The Top 8 Golf Charities

Golf tournaments are great ways to fundraise for a cause, while bringing people together who not only share a love for the game but are also deeply invested in giving back.

Here’s a list of the top eight golf-related charities known for making a significant impact through fundraising, community outreach, and youth development.

1. The First Tee

Mission⎯To shape the lives of young people by teaching them life skills and values through golf. The First Tee focuses on introducing golf to children, especially those from underserved communities. In addition to teaching golf, the organization emphasizes core values like sportsmanship, honesty, and perseverance. 

2. Folds of Honor

Mission⎯To provide scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled military personnel.  

Through golf tournaments and events, Folds of Honor raises funds to honor and support American service members and their families. Their work focuses on education grants to children and spouses of heroes who have made great sacrifices. Since its founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 44,000 educational scholarships.

3. PGA of America REACH Foundation

Mission⎯To use the game of golf to positively impact veterans, youth, and diverse communities.  

PGA Reach has three main pillars of charitable work:

• PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere): Focused on veterans, this program uses golf to improve well-being and mental health.

• PGA Junior League: Introduces children to golf while fostering teamwork and a love for the game.

• PGA WORKS: Designed to create inclusion by providing career opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

4. The Memorial Tournament 

Mission⎯To support pediatric care and medical research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  

Hosted annually in Dublin, Ohio as part of the PGA Tour, The Memorial Tournament has raised millions of dollars to help fund groundbreaking pediatric research and patient care.

5. Els for Autism Foundation

Mission⎯To provide resources and services for individuals on the autism spectrum.  

Champion golfer Ernie Els founded this charity after his son was diagnosed with autism. Els for Autism uses golf as a therapeutic tool for individuals with autism, while raising global awareness for the cause.

6. The Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation

Mission⎯Offers affordable golf programs to children who might not otherwise have access. The Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation is a nonprofit initiative established to expand access to golf for children aged 3–9, especially in underserved, lower-income, and inner-city communities.

7. ANNIKA Foundation

Mission⎯Develop, empower, and advance women at junior, collegiate, and professional levels, while encouraging personal development, healthy living, and nutrition awareness. The ANNIKA Foundation was created by Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam in 2007 and emphasizes integrity, respect, and giving back.

8. Golf Fights Cancer

Mission⎯Gives grants that have an immediate positive impact on cancer patients and their families, focusing on funding equipment, services, amenities, research, and treatment access. Since its inception, Golf Fights Cancer has granted over $14.5 Million to 90 different cancer-related charities, funding crucial comprehensive, individualized support to patients and families facing complex challenges.

Increase Bidding With Silent Auction Items

Offer a diverse range of silent auction items that appeal to all interests like one‑of‑a‑kind experiences to the Country Music Awards, luxury beach getaways, family fun adventures, and more. Explore our auction catalog for silent auction ideas. Learn more about how to organize an unforgettable golf tournament fundraiser and golf event contest ideas.

Elevate your golf fundraiser today by partnering with BlueTree Marketing for memorable silent auction items. Schedule a call with us to learn more.