Tuesday, two dozen members of the LPGA and PGA Tours joined forces to raise $1.4 million to contribute to the relief efforts in the Bahamas following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.
The LPGA’s Jessica Korda, Marina Alex, Jaye Marie Green, Dani Holmqvist and Leta Lindley participated in the Bahamas Strong Pro-Am at Old Marsh Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The event was the brainchild of the PGA Tour’s Justin Leonard, who often vacations on the island nation. Once Leonard sought the help of fellow pro Brad Faxon to bring his idea to fruition, the event grew from there. It was through that connection that members of the LPGA got involved. Morgan Pressel, who calls South Florida home, had a prior commitment and was unable to participate, but she quickly began reaching out to her fellow LPGA pros to lend their support.
“We got really lucky in South Florida we didn’t get much of Hurricane Dorian, but those in the Bahamas weren’t as lucky,” Pressel told LPGA.com. “It’s amazing the devastation that a storm like that can bring.”
Alex was one of those recruited by Pressel to play in the pro-am. A transplant from New Jersey, Alex now lives in South Florida and the storm’s dangerously close path to her home made her eager to help those affected.
“The devastation that the Bahamas experienced could have easily been the same for us and that’s scary to think,” Alex told LPGA.com. “Given that fact, I think it compels all of us in the area to step up and help aid in the recovery of such a beautiful country.”
Jack Nicklaus, Justin Thomas, Ernie Els, Billy Horschel and Jesper Parnevik were among the members of the PGA Tour who lent their support to Tuesday’s event. In the wake of Hurricane Dorian 20 people were killed and damage estimates have reached $7 billion.
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