Battling COVID-19 has taken on many forms for many people.
For AJGA members Savannah Hylton and Jonathan Griz both of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, supporting medical personnel and first responders topped their list.
“I got this idea when I was watching our church service online with Andy Stanley,” Hylton said. “He proposed the question, ‘What is the impact you want to have on this situation?’ and it got me thinking that I need to be spreading positivity as much as I can. The doctors, nurses and everyone putting their health on the line to keep us safe, need all the love and support that we can give them right now.”
The pair have spent their extra time calling hospitals and redirecting money for cancelled spring golf tournaments to help buy snacks and supplies to make goodie bags and written thank you notes.
“Our first trip to drop off everything at the hospital was great,” Griz said. “Everyone was so grateful, and it felt so good to see the impact firsthand and to thank people for all the hard work they have been doing.”
Over the years, Griz has also been active in the State Cup Series , a branch of the AJGA’s Leadership Links program, by playing in the Mason Cup and Carolina Cup in previous years. Through those events, he has raised nearly $2,000 for the Mason Goodnight Foundation and Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation.
The State Cup Series is a unique way for junior golfers to gain leadership experience and give back to their communities. Around the U.S., juniors are starting Ryder Cup-style match play events and inviting their friends to play and fundraise for shared causes. Since 2010, the schedule has grown to include 12 events which have raised nearly $1 million for charity.
