To many golf enthusiasts, the primary objective is to achieve the lowest score. For others, it also includes giving back to causes that are meaningful to them.
Cobra PUMA State Cup events, such as the Wisconsin Cup, provide the opportunity to do just that. Over two days at Whistling Straits Golf Course, 24 junior golfers took part in a team tournament with the rosters chosen by captains. Ryder Miller leads one of the teams and understands the importance of the event he helped organize.
“It’s very cool to fundraise this amount of money for such a great cause,” Miller said. “To be able to be a part of that is just special.”
Some of those causes for the 2024 event include the MACC Fund, The WPGA Junior Golf Foundation and the AJGA’s Liberty National ACE Grant Program. Miller said his goal is to “keep on supporting” the event in any way possible with one more year of participation.
Brianna Kirsch, the event’s other captain and co-host, also sees a deep meaning. Her brother served in the same role, which inspired her to follow suit.
“Both my [grandmothers] had cancer,” Kirsch said. “So, it’s a really good cause, and I love helping out charity. My grandma [had a] big influence on me so it's good to help out.”
Kirsch achieved some of her fundraising through social media, posting on Instagram and Facebook, where she said people she didn’t know even contributed to fundraising. Ahead of her first year playing college golf at the University of Southern Indiana, Kirsch again spoke of the influence of her brother.
“We’re big community people,” she said.
Abigail Henriksen is another player who’s passed her fundraising goal. On-site at Whistling Straits, she said she was honored to be a part of it.
“It’s just really special,” Henriksen said. “Getting to see all the support, all of your friends and family we know chipping in to help your funds for an event.”
Having already raised $1,200, Henriksen also utilized social media and email to spread her word.
“Huge mass emails to friends and family,” she said. “That was probably my biggest donor.”
Looking ahead, Henriksen has no intentions of slowing her fundraising and is looking to get to $1,500.
“I’m really grateful that I got past my mark, and it’s cool to see all the support," shared Henriksen.
Following the Wisconsin Cup, the Cobra PUMA Golf State Cup Series will have 14 more events this year, with the Mass Cup at Boston Golf Club up next in mid-July.
