On Monday, August 12th golf enthusiasts from around New England came together for the Fourth Annual Birdies 2 Benefit fundraiser at the Andover Country Club. This special charity golf tournament, which hosts PGA of New England professionals and other champions of inclusion, was started not only for the enjoyment of the game but also to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Massachusetts, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the PGA of New England Reach Foundation. With perfect, sunny weather setting the scene, the day was an ideal backdrop for combining a love of golf with the commitment to making a difference.

The day was filled with competitive yet friendly play, with participants enjoying not one, not two, but three rounds of golf on the club’s scenic course. Birdies 2 Benefit distinguishes itself from other charity golf tournaments by having the goal for each team be to sink as many birdies as possible. Through each PGA Pro’s network and community, donors make financial pledges per birdie; and the sweet sound of an airhorn marked another birdie on the course, and a dent in the pockets of these donors.

There were nearly 50 golfers who participated in this year’s tournament—the largest turnout to date! The team who made the most birdies was Team NACC Nines out of the North Andover and Ipswich Country Club, with 53 total birdies and raised over $3,700. While Team Holly Ridge made 13 less birdies compared to the leader, it took home the prize for highest dollar amount raised at an incredible $43,430! In total, the event raised over $217,000.

Special Olympics MA added its personal touch to the tournament by inviting athlete Nate Simmons out of the Hillview Golf Program, to play on hole 11 during the day. Tournament participants had the opportunity to use Nate’s drive instead of their own; and with this particular hole being uphill, even the pros needed some help!

But Nate wasn’t the only Special Olympics athlete on the course. Two other Special Olympics athletes, Isaiah King and Donovan (Donny) Casey, made their mark by driving around in a golf cart, offering snacks and drinks to players. Their presence was a hit among participants, who appreciated the friendly interaction and the chance to meet athletes who were directly benefitting from their participation in the tournament. One foursome loved meeting these two athletes so much, that they invited Isaiah and Johnny to try driving a ball off the tee. It’s safe to say golf might be a future sport of choice for these two Special Olympics MA athletes!

“When you believe, you can achieve,” is the advice Isaiah passed along to every group he met along the way, after thanking them for their commitment to come out and support inclusion.

The day concluded with an awards ceremony where top performers were recognized. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable, underscoring the event’s dual mission of fostering community spirit while supporting meaningful causes.

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