Rochester District Golf Association to celebrate its mission at “Purpose Day” Tournament

On Monday, August 25, the Rochester District Golf Association (RDGA) will celebrate its mission for growing the game of golf by holding its first annual “Purpose Day” event. All proceeds will go directly to support accessibility and inclusivity to the game among children and young adults – especially those in the most underserved communities – through local and regional junior golf programs aimed at “growing the game” for future generations.

Hosted by the RDGA Foundation, the fundraising arm of the RDGA, the all-day event will be held at the Donald Ross-designed Monroe Golf Club, one of 67 RDGA Member Clubs. The tournament serves as one of the primary funding sources to support more than a dozen RDGA junior golf programs, serving more than 2,000 children and young adults across the Rochester region.

“The RDGA is driven by a higher purpose that extends well beyond fairways,” said Chuck Ryan, president of the RDGA Foundation. “What’s most important to the RDGA is growing the game we all know and love, and, more importantly, helping to change the lives of a critical future to the game of golf – children and young adults – and the greater Rochester community. We’re teaching life lessons though golf lessons.”

Headlining the day will be the Dennis Walters Golf Show for a special post-tournament performance. An international golf star and a symbol of perseverance, Walters, who is paralyzed below the waist, has inspired golfers and non-golfers alike with his remarkable story and one-of-a-kind golf trick-shot performances.

In 2018, Walters was honored by the USGA as a recipient of its’ Bob Jones Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships.

“Dennis’ participation in the RDGA Foundation Purpose Day Golf Tournament serves the added purpose of highlighting the RDGA’s mission for inclusion – helping to commemorate their soon to be announced Adaptive Golf program in collaboration with Challenger Miracle Field in Webster – a first-of-its-kind program serving the Rochester area that will be launching in July,” said Tim Vangellow, executive director of the RDGA. “We are honored to host Dennis at this event and know he will leave our attendees in awe.”

The RDGA is inviting its more than 18,000 local members, corporate sponsors – or any person who loves the game of golf and wants to give back to the Rochester golf community – to register for this celebration of golf in Rochester. Registration for the RDGA Purpose Day event is open at https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/5383078, but spots are filling up fast. Cost per individual golfer is $250 or $1,000 per four-person team (participants may choose between two formats: a 4-person team Scramble, or a 4-person Best 2-of-4 Best Ball). Those not wishing to play golf but still support the RDGA, can attend the Dennis Walters Show performance and dinner by registering at the “non-golfing” option for $100 per attendee.

For more information about the RDGA Purpose Day event, sponsorship opportunities, the RDGA, RDGA junior golf programs, or the RDGA Foundation, visit rdga.org or call 585-292-5950.

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