Bubba Watson donates $50,000 to his old school at beginning of Stadion Classic on Nationwide Tour
Bubba Watson, after his second stellar victory for the season at last week’s Zurich Classic, showed up at the University of Georgia Athens to present a cheque of $50,000 for the university’s various programs supporting golf education and engagement. The
donation was part of the honourary money Watson received for being part of the 2010 Ryders Cup team. The donations were prsented to all participants of the cup and were given the choice to roll out the money to the program of their choice as part of the Play
Golf America University Program.
Watson, a graduate of UGA, played on the Nationwide Tour for three seasons before he moved to the PGA Tour. He was the member of the 2000 SEC Championship Bulldog team and decided to give out the donation to his school.
“It’s an honor to play in the Stadion Classic,” said Watson. “It was the highlight of my professional career to play in the Ryder Cup, and to be able to take that experience and use it in a way that supports the school I graduated from, it’s just an honour.”
Watson was present at a ceremony held as the Stadion Classic at UGA is all set to kickoff as part of the Nationwide Tour this week. 32-year-old Watson won the Zurich Classic on the second Playoff hole and did a remarkable job to maintain his composure and
not give in to the extreme pressure of last hole. He defeated Webb Simpson to collect a winner’s share of $1,116,000 out of the total purse of $6,400,000 and has climbed up to the number ten spot in the World Rankings. Watson is also at the top of FedEx Cup
points table.
President of the University, Dr. Michael Adams also spoke on the occasion and lauded Watson’s contribution and overall support for the University’s various programs for the development of golf. He stated, “Bubba’s play on the PGA TOUR has made those affiliated
with the University of Georgia very proud. He and his wife, Angie, are terrific alumni, and their dedication to this institution through the Play Golf America University program will continue to benefit students for years to come.”
UGA’s program for the education and training of budding golfers is headed by Georgia’s PGA members Matt Peterson and Dave Cousart. PGAU is the official body of golf in American colleges and universities and is engaged in the development of the sport at the
grass roots level. PGAU’s main objective is to enhance the playing capabilities of aspiring golfers and especially targets teenagers for their intensive programs. The association also helps players learn the various business aspects involved in the sports
to help them evolve as better business managers for the sport. UGA’s program will start in the fall of 2011.
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