ANDOVER, Mass. – PGA REACH New England and the New England PGA Section hosted the Sixth Annual Birdies 2 Benefit fundraiser Monday, August 10th at Andover Country Club. Players raised over $220,000 for three amazing charities: PGA REACH New England, Special Olympics Massachusetts, and the Child Life Services Department of Boston Children’s Hospital.
PGA REACH New England and the NEPGA proudly welcomed title sponsor and Official Player partner Newforma to this year’s event.
19 teams, ranging from 1-4 golfers, set out to play 54 holes of golf at Andover Country Club with the mission to make as many birdies as possible. Combined between all teams, the B2B squad racked up 855 birdies in the scramble or individual stroke play format event.
The day kicked off on a high note with a special morning check presentation on the practice green. PGA REACH New England proudly awarded the inaugural Cormier Family Scholarship to University of Tennessee student Patrick Green, recognizing his outstanding commitment and leadership. Additionally, the second annual Birdie Award was presented to Ryan—a beloved friend and family member of Team Holly Ridge—honoring someone who truly embodies everything the Birdies 2 Benefit initiative stands for.
Following the morning presentations, Special Olympics Massachusetts Athlete Danny took center stage to deliver a moving performance of the National Anthem. Players, coaches, and spectators gathered around the green to witness the unforgettable moment, which was capped off as his teammate, Chase took to the tee box to hit the event’s ceremonial first tee shot, officially kicking off the 54-hole marathon.
Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes, Danny, Chase, and Katie lent their skills to the cause; stationed on the 9th and 18th holes, these impressive athletes teamed up with participants, stepping onto the green to help players drain crucial putt attempts and knock in even more birdies for their overall total.
During the third round, players enjoyed a variety of fun hole activations brought to B2B by Newforma designed to keep energy high across all 54 holes. On the 10th tee, golfers channeled their inner movie star for the “Happy Gilmore” Long Drive challenge, complete with special guest judge Blades, the Boston Bruins mascot, holding up scorecards for each attempt. Shooters Creamery was on-site serving up sweet ice cream treats to keep everyone refreshed, while the 18th green hosted a lively “Beat the Pete” putting contest where players putted head-to-head against Newforma CEO Pete Cannone.
On hole #5, teams also battled it out in a Team Closest to the Pin contest sponsored by official partner, Pinned Golf. Golfers took aim for a chance to win top-tier gear, with prizes featuring Pinned Golf speakers, the Dart 2.0, and “The Caddie”—their award-winning GPS tablet that earned Best New Product honors.
Team Bay Club and Team Far Corner led the way in total birdies made, each tallying a total of 57 birdies on the day. Team Bay Club also raised a total of $20,894, officially pushing their total fundraising to over $120K since 2022.
Team Holly Ridge raised the most money during the day with an astounding $49,520 for the three non-profit organizations with a total birdie count of 54. This team included Darren Falk, PGA, Jennifer O’Connor, PGA, and Joe O’Connor, PGA all from Holly Ridge GC.
Behind team Holly Ridge in donation dollars was new team to the field, Team Assistants Association, featuring Fergus Keane III, PGA, Ryan Small, PGA, and Eric Aguiar, PGA. The trio raised an impressive $37,515 in their first B2B appearance, and made a total of 43 birdies.
Representatives from both Boston Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics Massachusetts were on site for the sixth annual event.
“This is the 6th year Special Olympics Massachusetts has been involved and we are truly appreciative of all of the support you have give us these last years… All of the opportunities we provide our athletes are free and that is why all of the money raised here is so critical for us to provide our programming,” said Special Olympics Massachusetts Director of Development, Partnerships, & Philanthropy, Christian McCormick.
“Since Birdies 2 Benefit has started, you all have raised over $200,000 for our Child Life Services department…this ensures that the patient and family experience is a positive one… you are allowing kids to still be kids when they are staying in the hospital through creative arts, pet therapy, and even celebrating special milestones like birthdays,” said Beatrice Haens, Boston Children’s Hospital, Trust, Officer of Special Events.
To date, PGA REACH New England and the NEPGA have raised $1,343,859 for the three non-profit organizations.
PGA REACH New England would like to thank Andover Country Club and the Cormier Family for once again hosting the Birdies 2 Benefit fundraiser.