Amarillo native and PGA Tour veteran Ryan Palmer is doing his part to shed light on the difficult times going on across the United States during the dangerous coronavirus pandemic.
Palmer, along a loaded field of PGA golfers, was at The Player’s Championship on March 12, when the event was cancelled, and the rest of the PGA season was put on hold.
There have been nine events cancelled so far through the COVID-19 scare, which is effecting charities within those PGA events that help under served children.
With that said, on Monday, at his home in Colleyville, Palmer posted to his Twitter account that he and his team have set up a Pros for a Purpose website to help give back by pledging $20,000 toward the events he was committed to.
Palmer was scheduled to play in the Valspar Championship, the Valero Texas Open, the RBC Heritage, defend his title with Jon Rahm at the Zurich Classic, and the AT&T Byron Nelson.
“We felt the best thing to do was help give back to these charities that are hurting. Each tournament has a member of a charity. It’s easy for me to give back to tournament’s. I love this game and what it represents, and I really hope this picks up steam. It’s scary and sad what’s going on.
“There are a lot of under privileged kids getting getting effected because of these nine tournaments getting cancelled. That’s nine cities and tournaments effected. I feel giving money back will inspire hope.”
As for Palmer, he is currently home spending time with his family. He does get out to the golf course, and is still practicing. So far during his 2020 year, which is his 17th season on the PGA Tour, he sits 48th in the FEDEX Cup standings, with three top 10 finishes in 10 starts.
“I’m still able to go play,” Palmer said. “The Colonial Country Club is open, so I can stay in shape. But I’m enjoying my time with my family, and getting to spend time with my son Mason. He’s gone out on the course with me more often with this time.”
Anyone that would like to donate to help these effected charities can by going to prosforapurpose.org
Pros For a Purpose mission statement
Let’s come together as a golf community to support PGA TOUR Charities impacted by Covid-19. With nine PGA TOUR events cancelled, the deserving charities behind each one are suffering during a time when their outreach is needed most. Many of us have supported these tournaments over the years by playing, attending, volunteering or even watching on TV. If we come together in this time of need, we can make a big difference!