When you think of a PGA Tour Champions event, what comes to mind? Huge prize purses? Valuable FedEx Cup points? Coveted exemptions? Sure, those are part of it. But the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences is here to shift—or rather, expand—that perspective.

Taking place at La Paloma Country Club from March 7-9, 2025, this tournament isn’t just about golf. It’s about making a difference, especially for those affected by colorectal cancer. Over the years, this event has played a key role in supporting survivors and raising awareness. But this time, they’re taking it a step further with “Birdies for Survivors.”

So, what is it? Every time a player birdies the par-4 15th hole, the tournament will donate $1,500 to sponsor a cancer survivor, covering their travel costs so they can attend the 2026 Cologuard Classic. It’s a simple yet powerful way to ensure more survivors and their loved ones can be part of this special event.

Bryan Goettel, director of advocacy and alliance relations for Exact Sciences, explained the impact of this initiative: “Exact Sciences provides grants to 17 cancer advocacy organizations to help “patients, survivors and loved ones come here to Tucson to celebrate survivorship, to be together and to be here at the tournament. Those grants are not enough to meet the demand of who wants to be here.”

The cause resonates deeply with the players as well. At the pro-am event, amateur players—including colorectal cancer survivors and their families—teed it up alongside some big names, such as defending champion Joe Durant, tournament host Jerry Kelly, and Padraig Harrington.

But the Cologuard Classic doesn’t just honor survivors from the sidelines—it brings them into the action. Cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers are paired with professionals, making the experience deeply personal.

Last year’s champion, Joe Durant, played in honor of Amanda Meckstroth, a Stage 4 colorectal cancer patient. Before his final round, she told him, “I’m going to walk with you for as many holes as I can because I want to see you win.” That moment stuck with Durant.“It really kind of choked me up because I’m thinking, ‘Here’s someone that’s really battling something way bigger than all of us, and she’s so brave,’” he said.

This year, the excitement is equally high—and so is the generosity. Padraig Harrington, always up for a challenge, didn’t hesitate to raise the bar: “I’d be really happy if I made three birdies so fast. It’d be nice. I tell you what, I’ll double it up. If I make a birdie, I’ll give $1,500 on top of what they give.” Not one to be left behind, Kelly jumped in with equal enthusiasm: “I’m not letting him do that without me. Are you kidding me? Oh, I’m in. I’m in. I’m doing $1,501. I’ve talked with Patty about this event. He and so many of the players, all the players, have bought in that this is so much more than a golf tournament.”

While the tournament’s heart lies in its mission, the players still compete for big stakes. The event features a total purse of $2.2 million, with $330,000 awarded to the winner, along with 330,000 Charles Schwab Cup points. The 78-player field will compete over 54 holes of stroke play.

But, prize money and trophies are just one part of the story. Year after year, the Cologuard Classic has found meaningful ways to give back, proving that its mission extends far beyond the leaderboard.

The Cologuard Classic: Golf with a greater purpose

The Cologuard Classic isn’t just about competition—it’s about resilience, community, and impact. Here, every shot carries a deeper meaning.

Last year, the tournament introduced “Sponsor a Survivor,” a program designed to help survivors cover travel costs to attend the event. Thanks to donations, 10 patients and survivors were able to make the journey to Tucson.

The impact has grown tremendously. When Cologuard became the title sponsor in 2018, only a dozen survivors and caregivers attended. By last year, that number had surged to 327 survivors from 32 states and three countries. This year, 320 survivors from 37 states are expected, and with the “Birdies for Survivors” initiative, that number is set to rise even further.

For Jerry Kelly, a Cologuard ambassador, the tournament holds special significance. Last year, he birdied the 15th hole—known as “Survivor Central”—in all three rounds, ultimately finishing tied for second place. In total, players made 37 birdies there, but for Kelly, the moment was about more than just golf.

“When you get to Survivor Central and you see the sheer amount of people that this tournament has brought together … it makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck,” Kelly said. “I know exactly what hole I’m on. I know exactly what I want to do. The most passionate people on the golf course are right there. That meant an awful lot to me.”

And the tournament’s reach keeps expanding. According to its official website, more than 300 colorectal cancer patients, survivors, loved ones, and advocates attended in 2024. To ensure even more survivors experience the event firsthand, Exact Sciences continues to provide grants to 17+ advocacy organizations to help more survivors experience the event firsthand.