In a gathering space adjacent to the well-preserved office of the late Arnold Palmer, Golf Digest Editor in Chief Jerry Tarde wasted little time Tuesday finding just the right words to explain the magic of the man who had not only an immense impact on golf but also on countless lives who needed his help.

“I’ve been around for a long time and had a long association with Mr. Palmer, and this is a great honour to be here in the world of Arnie,” Tarde began. “You know Arnold Palmer lived by the old ethos that when you reach the top, you send the elevator back down for the rest, and that’s really what he did. He brought the rest of us along on his great success and his passion and love for golf and everything that it brings you. And that’s the meaning of the Arnie Award—giving back.”

The introduction and the setting at Bay Hill Club could not have been more appropriate when Tarde presented the latest edition of the Arnie Award, Golf Digest’s highest honour, to former U.S. Open champion Justin Rose for his own efforts in giving back. Winner of 11 PGA Tour events, Rose received a bronze sculpture of Palmer with his wife Kate and the younger of their two children, Charlotte, in attendance. Amy Saunders, Palmer’s daughter, and Sam Saunders, his grandson, also were on hand for the brief ceremony that celebrated the commitment Rose has exhibited to several charitable initiatives, primarily through the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation on both sides of the pond.

In conjunction with the award, Golf Digest donated $50,000 to the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.

“I met Dow Finsterwald, who was one of Arnie’s oldest and closest friends one day, and I asked him, ‘What’s the secret of Arnie’s enduring success? And he said, ‘It’s the way he treats people,’” Tarde said. “And I think we recognize that that was Arnie’s superpower, and it’s Kate and Justin’s superpower, too. When we recognize winners of the Arnie Award, that’s what we think of, the way they treat people, the way they give back.”

Beginning in 2009, the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation has focused on the nutritional and educational needs of impoverished children in Central Florida. In fulfilling the foundation’s mission of “feeding hungry tummies and curious minds,” the Roses have joined with the “Blessings in a Backpack,” program that provides supplemental weekend meals for elementary school children. As he accepted the Arnie Award, Rose was surrounded by more than a dozen children from that program.

“I know that there’s been so many people before me who have given so much to the game. So this is a huge honour,” said Rose, 44, who lived in Orlando for 10 years and is competing on a sponsor’s exemption in this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. “Anytime you’re associated with Mr. Palmer, it’s just something incredibly special and a great reminder for me to continue to go about things the right way as he embodied his whole career.

“To able to share this with my family, my wife, Kate, who’s been by my side for all of us charitable endeavors or the giving back we’ve been able to do, especially during in Orlando, it’s been nice to share this with her today as well.”

Rose pointed out that there is a reason that Kate’s name appears first on the foundation. While the example of Palmer and others certainly had an impact on his attitude toward helping others—which also includes initiatives in The Bahamas and in his home country of England—Rose was effusive in his praise for his wife.

“There was not a crowning moment where I thought that’s what I want to do,” he said. “But I just think just golf is an amazing vehicle. I think there’s so many good role models in the game of golf, I suppose, that have shown me the way. I haven’t invented this model by any means. And just like I said, [learning] through gratitude. And then I think having great partner in Kate, she’s been unbelievable. I think she’s always had that vision in her life of giving back. So give more credit to her.”

Even today, though, Palmer’s legacy remains a guiding influence.

“Respect,” Rose said when asked about Palmer’s enduring impact on people in and out of golf. “I think just having, obviously he was a generation just before me in terms of having the opportunity to really play with him, really get to know him from a competitive point of view. But even on the back end, you could just tell exactly what he stood for, what he meant, and how he treated people, how he treated me. The few interactions I have had with him were all memorable. I think that’s the most amazing thing. If you remember meeting someone just two or three times, you can almost remember what happened on each of those occasions. He’s giving you his energy, and that he’s engaged in that moment. So yeah, I think that he did that, not just for me, but by all accounts, pretty much everybody.”

Main Image: Luke Walker

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This week’s PGA Tour event had to move from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines due to the damage suffered in Riviera’s surrounding neighbourhood of the Pacific Palisades. On Tuesday the event sponsor announced in conjunction with the tour that 100 cars along with cash contributions will be funneled to the California Rises initiative.

California Rises will aid in the rebuilding efforts as a result of the wildfires that devastated the region in January. Some of the charities involved include the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

Additionally, the tournament week will service as a fundraising effort and platform to highlight the response of the Los Angeles community. During tournament play, every shot will have extra incentive through “Birdies for Good” with $300 donated for every birdie and eagle and $10,000 for a hole-in-one. Throughout Torrey Pines there will be links to the donation site and fans can send a thank you note to first responders at Postcards from the Tee.

“The Genesis Invitational has called Los Angeles home for nearly a century and has a long-standing history of positively impacting the community,” said Mike Antolini, tournament director of The Genesis Invitational. “Although we are not at Riviera this year, we are proud to be part of California Rises in support of the relief efforts.”

Added PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan: “The game of golf has always played a role in bringing people together for a common cause, and the PGA Tour is proud to support the efforts of the California Rises initiative at The Genesis Invitational. We commend Genesis, Tiger Woods and TGR Live for their leadership and we are grateful to Farmers Insurance, Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego and the Century Club for their collective efforts as we relocated The Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines.”

Main Image: Josh Edelson

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Made up of high-profile former international rugby stars from over 20 countries, the 100 World Legends is an organisation dedicated to creating lasting change for People of Determination by championing the core values of rugby union.

Respect, hard work, and integrity are at the heart of their mission as the Legends positively impact communities worldwide through a variety of charitable initiatives, youth programmes, and sustainable rugby-for-life projects. This time around, it was golf!

In collaboration with Al Noor, the Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, the centre opened its doors in Dubai on 21st November 1981, initially serving just eight children. Today, the centre supports over 260 children at its purpose-built facility in Al Barsha, offering personalised programmes for young people with diverse physical and cognitive challenges.

With global rugby icons—including over 20 former international players such as Ireland’s Shane Byrne, England’s Delon Armitage and Tamara Taylor, as well as more than half a dozen former All Blacks—guests competed in fourball teams alongside a rugby legend in the Texas Scramble Format. The action was closely observed by Paul Waring, the recent 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion, who also participated in the event.

 

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The day was a resounding success on the newly revamped Arabian Ranches, with more than AED 160,000 raised at the charity event in favour of Al Noor, with participants bidding on unique rugby memorabilia combined with all tournament entry fees and sponsorships.

As for the competition, the podium spots were as follows:

• Third place: Team Byrne, led by captain Shane Byrne, alongside Mark Chatten, Ken Owiti, and Paul Byrne, with an impressive score of 15-under-par score, 57.
• Second place: Team Waring, comprising Brian Thomas Smith, Hader Nashie, and Richard Bernans, finished with a score of 16-under-par, 56.
• First place: Team Betsen, the inaugural winners of the Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day were Serge Betsen, Tillmann Kloss, Ofisa Tonu’u, and Karl Te Nana, who triumphed by the narrowest of margins.

Experiences like this aren’t possible without the generous support and help from sponsors. A special mention must go to Al Noor, 100 World Legends, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Egolf Megastore, Emirates Golf Federation, Esus, Maersk, Media One Hotel, MMI, MyGovindas, Nezesaussi Grill and Wasl.

Here’s to an even bigger event in 2025!

Click through the gallery of photos of the day.

« ‹ of 18 › »

Images: Harry Grimshaw

The post For the greatest of causes – The Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Comprised of high-profile ex-international rugby stars from over 20 countries, the 100 World Legends is an organisation whose aim is to create a lasting change for People of Determination through upholding the core values of Ruby Union. Respect for others, hard work and integrity are at the forefront as the Legends positively impact global communities through various charities, youth projects and sustainable rugby-for-life programmes.

Working in partnership with Al Noor, the Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, the Centre opened its doors to Dubai on November 21st, 1981, starting with only eight children. Now the Centre serves over 260 children in its purpose-built facility in Al Barsha.

With global Rugby icons like Shane Byrne, Delon Armitage, Tamara Taylor and Colin Charvis already confirmed for the day. Guests will be competing in a four-ball alongside one Rugby Legend, while under the watchful eye of 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion winner Paul Waring, who has also confirmed his participation.

 

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Click here to bid for the chance to play in a 4-Ball team with Paul Waring.

About Al Noor

Founded in 1981 with 8 children, the Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination now supports more than 210 students from over 30 nations. It offers personalised programs for children and young adults with diverse physical and cognitive challenges.

The comprehensive curriculum includes training, therapies, vocational training, co-curricular activities and satellite programs.

Visit Al Noor’s Website

About the 100 World Legends

Comprised of high-profile ex-international rugby stars from over 20 countries, the 100 World Legends is an organisation whose aim is to create a lasting change to People of Determination through upholding the core values of Ruby Union.

Respect for others, hard work and integrity are at the forefront as the Legends positively impact global communities through various charities, youth projects and sustainable rugby for-life programmes.

Visit the 100 World Legends’ Website

To register, CLICK HERE

Price per Team: AED4,000

Including:

• 18 exciting holes of golf for 3 guests with 1 member of the World 100 Legends
• A catered dinner with drinks provided and the chance to mingle with all the World 100 Legends
• And the opportunity to bid on the sale of goods provided by event partners and sponsors

Do not miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime to play with and meet some of International Rugby’s greatest legends, including:

Register HERE for an unforgettable day of golf at the 100 World Legends Golf Day on Wednesday, 27th November, at the prestigious Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

Event Format

Shotgun Start, all teams of 4 will tee off simultaneously from different holes, ensuring everyone finishes together for post-golf activities.

Additionally, with the Texas Scramble format, each player in each team will hit a shot and the team selects the best one, hence continuing from that spot for each stroke until all holes are completed.

The key stages of the event are expected to commence as follows:
12:30 – Tee Off
17:30 – Dinner

Following the golf and the dinner, expect a sale of curated goods in an auction format, including signed player memorabilia, tickets to major sporting events and more.

About the Arabian Ranches Golf Club

The Arabian Ranches Golf Club opened its doors in February, 2004, since which it has become a popular ‘lifestyle’ destination.

The links is an 18 hole, par 72 signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Built as a true desert-style grass course, players typically love the natural flow of the holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape.

Playing up to 7,658yrds, it is a true test of championship golf. The provision of tee complexes of varying distance also ensures enjoyment and reward for golfers of all abilities.

Visit Arabian Ranches Golf Course’s Website

About Nezesaussi Grill

With a menu and theme that blends the best of the Southern Hemisphere, the name Nezesaussi, short for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, seems perfectly fitting.

Multiple TV screens including one giant screen showing sporting events from around the world, two pool tables and a jukebox to play your favourite tunes, it is the perfect place to socialise with friends or colleagues.

On the day of the event. guests will be able to indulge in a BBQ buffet with beverages to be provided by event partners.

Visit Nezesaussi Grill’s Website

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Through this partnership, LIV Golf has committed US$10 million to increase access to sport and education for up to 1 million forcibly displaced people in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, as well as introduce golf and play-based activities focused on improving the quality of life for those who are most at risk.

“UNHCR believes strongly in the power of sport. We have seen firsthand that it can provide displaced children and youth with a sense of purpose and inspiration at a time of great personal upheaval,” said Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. “Sports bridge communities and fosters team spirit, well-being, and community cohesion, especially for people who have been forced to flee their homes and their host communities. We are excited to announce the launch of this partnership with LIV Golf, which aims to make a significant positive impact on these communities. By creating opportunities, fostering friendships, and establishing career pathways, we hope to help improve their lives.”

“We’re proud to partner with the UN Refugee Agency to make a positive impact in the world through sport,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “LIV Golf’s ‘Potential Unleashed’ strategy is utilizing the game of golf as a force for positive change, and we are honoured to be the first professional golf organization to work hand-in-hand with UNHCR to help deliver its meaningful programming and initiatives.”

Sport for protection projects help foster social inclusion and cohesion, create safe spaces, and improve the wellbeing and health of refugees and host communities. Activities from this partnership with LIV Golf will take place in community centres, schools, camps and sports clubs, making sport accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities.

“Our players, our teams and our league are dedicated to making the game of golf more inclusive and leveraging our wonderful sport to uplift individuals and communities while expanding their educational outcomes,” added Norman. “This is a significant step to broadening that reach and impact across the world.”

Main Image: LIV Golf X

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This is the third consecutive LIV Golf charitable giving commitment made through the ‘LIV to Give’, following donations of more than $1 million each to the needy in Hertfordshire and Oregon after the first two competitions.

LIV to Give announced in June a pledge of more than $100 million in total to support programmes in the LIV Golf communities, centred on education, environmental sustainability, golf development, and the well-being of communities now and in the future.

“We are proud to continue our support of non-profit organizations in our tournament host communities,” said Atul Khosla, President and Chief Operating Officer of LIV Golf. “Partnering with local charities and community leaders is a key part of LIV Golf’s mission to make sustainable investments in the regions we play in, all while growing the game of golf.”

Two charitable recipients in New Jersey are Adaptive Golfers and the Val Skinner Foundation, organisations committed to protecting the future through health and wellness education, youth development, and establishing equal playing fields.

Adaptive Golfers supports the needs of athletes with physical, cognitive, sensory, health, and age-related challenges who play the game of golf. The non-profit uses online and in-person resource clinics and training programmes to make the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits of playing golf more accessible to players of all abilities. LIV Golf’s donation will support the purchase of an accessible RV that will travel the country and function as a mobile intake office for clinics, presentations and an adaptive-fitting station. Additional funding will help develop an adaptive-athlete education curriculum which will be integrated into existing professional golf instruction and the health and rehabilitative industries. Adaptive Golfers anticipates this curriculum will educate more than 250 students by the fall of 2022, delivering life-changing golf clinics that allow more adaptive players to participate in the game of golf.

“LIV Golf’s recognition of the needs of adaptive athletes helps us reach and empower more individuals to connect with the game of golf, thereby improving the quality of their lives – mind, body and soul,” said Gianna Rojas, CEO and Founder of Adaptive Golfers. “We are extremely grateful for their support and are excited to work together to provide life-changing opportunities for our athletes.”

@Adaptivegolfers and The Val Skinner Foundation

LIV to Give#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/U0wwwoKAli

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) July 31, 2022

The Val Skinner Foundation is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. The Foundation focuses on early detection and STEM education programmes on cancer genetics for a younger generation, which are imperative to its mission. In partnership with Discovery Education and cancer experts from around the country, the Foundation developed DecodingCancer.org, a platform that has educated over 5.5 million students nationwide.

“We are pleased to have been selected as a recipient of LIV to Give’s support which will help us advance our mission in the fight against breast cancer through education and special programmes,” said Val Skinner, a former LPGA Tour Professional and Founder of the Val Skinner Foundation and LIFE LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer. “The funding will expand outreach to high school STEM students through DecodingCancer.org, which offers a full curriculum on cancer genetics and career exploration for the next generation of scientists. We owe it to every woman who has lost their battle to stay the course, and this meaningful donation represents our shared commitment to a better future.”

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