Before the first tee shot was hit at the 2020 Wisconsin Cup, the event had already raised more than $50,000 for the MACC Fund , The Wisconsin PGA Junior Foundation and the AJGA’s ACE Grant Program , almost doubling the $32,000 total raised in 2019.
As part of the AJGA's State Cup Series , the two-day Ryder Cup style event was started by AJGA member Piercen Hunt of Hartland, Wisconsin, last year as a way for him to give back to organizations that have impacted him.
The MACC Fund has given hope to children and families battling childhood cancer. Their goal is to fight childhood cancer and related blood disorders by providing critical research of cures and treatments. The WPGA Junior Foundation aims to promote the game of golf by providing positive opportunities, enjoyment and education to Wisconsin junior golfers and their families.
"It's really special to be able to give back to these organizations in a meaningful way and I got a lot of help from everyone else who is playing in the event," Hunt said. "They are all my really close friends here and it's great to be able to share what I've created with them and give back to the community in a positive way."
In addition to fundraising, the event featured 28 juniors divided into two teams competing over two days at Whistling Straits Golf Course. Team Illinois was captained by Hunt while Team Wisconsin was captained by Cameron Huss of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The tournament began with the teams competing in four-ball matches at the famed Straits Course at Whistling Straits Golf Course. Team Illinois secured the lead after day one with 4.5 points to Team Wisconsin's 2.5. The teams moved to the Irish Course on day two and it was Team Illinois who came out on top overall defeating Team Wisconsin 12 to 9.
With the 2020 event coming to a close, so does Hunt's leadership of the event. Hunt will attend the University of Illinois beginning in the fall and he will pass the tournament to Bennett Swavely of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Jacob Beckman of Middleton, Wisconsin.
"There's some great aspects like getting to play at Whistling Straits and I've received a lot of help from the AJGA and everyone on my team," Hunt said. "It's been great the last two years and I am really excited to see the event grow in the future and hopefully take on a much bigger platform."
