Hurricane Helene has battered through North and South Carolina, Georgia, and three other states. Many affected people are awaiting financial support from outsiders. A number of golfers have already stepped up. And Mark Calcavecchia, the PGA Tour veteran, is the latest golfer to stand by Hurricane Helene victims.
The veteran golfer kicked off an initiative to raise funds at the upcoming SAS championship. The former Open Champion tweeted, “Huge thank you to my fellow pros who donated over 4000 bucks and the caddies who played. Great day. Also Larry Connor and Tony Malbini Jr. at Prestonwood CC. The money will be donated to Asheville hurricane/flood funds to help those in need [red heart emojis] and prayers.”
The tournament generated $4000 for relief measures in North Carolina. Asheville is one of the worst-affected areas by Hurricane Helene. The Blue Ridge Mountain town witnessed devastation on an unprecedented scale. Reports indicated that hundreds of people are still missing, and around 40 people have died.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Huge thank you to my fellow pros who donated over 4000 bucks and and the caddies who played. Great day. Also Larry Connor and Tony Malbini Jr at Prestonwood CC. The money will be donated to Asheville hurricane/flood funds to help those in need ❤️❤️ and prayers pic.twitter.com/n4sEHT5I6h
— Mark Calcavecchia (@MarkCalc) October 8, 2024
Reports estimate Hurricane Helene can leave a $150 billion impact on the US economy. With so many lives lost and damages incurred, every little gesture has the potential to make a big impact. So, when Calcavecchia’s initiative came to light, fans were pepped up to see their favorite golfer stepping up for relief efforts.
Mark Calcavecchia’s heartwarming efforts are not lost on netizens
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Notably, Kevin Kisner’s organization hosted a small free musical concert in Aiken where they asked the attendees to bring non-perishable items. They were also asked to donate whatever amount they could to the Kisner Foundation.
What’s your perspective on:
Are golfers like Calcavecchia redefining what it means to be a sports hero today?
Have an interesting take?
On the other hand, Georgia residents Henrik Norlander and Luke List announced that for each birdie they make at the Sanderson Farms Championship, they will donate $500 to flood relief efforts. Many tipped their hats to Mark Calcavecchia after he also joined that bandwagon.
“Awesome. So many in need. Thank you!” wrote one user. “That’s awesome, Mark, way to go, god looking over all of you, Ty all,” another commented, thanking the 13-time PGA Tour winner for his efforts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Needless to say, the efforts of veteran golfers and caddies resonated with fans. They noted Calcavecchia and Co. represent the best golf has to offer. “You’re the best, Mark,” wrote one of them. Another also commented, “Mark is a class act.” Interestingly, veteran caddie, Kip Henely, who was also part of the fundraising initiative, commented, “So much fun and great times, Calc! Thanks for always having the Caddies back, bud! You have always been a Top Shelfer!’
Mark Calcavecchia will tee off at the SAS Championship in Texas this week. The veteran golfer set the tone right ahead of the tournament. Charity and community building are, after all, the bedrock of golf.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Are golfers like Calcavecchia redefining what it means to be a sports hero today?