PGA TOUR star Kenny Perry committed on Monday to playing The Greenbrier Classic next month, and at the same time, also committed himself to a cause very close to his heart — family. Perry said he would be dedicating that week to the 29 families affected by the April mining disaster in West Virginia and pledged to donate $2,000 for every birdie he scores during the tournament (listen to Kenny’s interview with Mike and Mike on ESPN Radio).
“Growing up in Kentucky as a neighbor to West Virginia, I feel a close connection to the area. Miners work so hard to provide for their families, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for what they do,” said Perry. “I want to show that respect by dedicating my week at The Greenbrier Classic to the 29 men who lost their lives in April. The Greenbrier Classic will be a great event, and I’m hoping that others will join me to make it a special week for these families too.”
In support of Perry’s gesture, Greenbrier owner James Justice committed to joining him in the cause by pledging to match Perry’s donation for every birdie he scores during the week of The Greenbrier Classic.
“We are delighted to have Kenny Perry joining us for The Greenbrier Classic because family is the foundation for not only our community here in West Virginia, but also this resort, and he is exemplifying that through his concern for these families and his generosity,” said Justice. “The Greenbrier Classic will work to create ways for everyone to join in this cause, including fans, during the week of the tournament.”
Funds raised through the Greenbrier Classic will be donated to the families through the West Virginia Council of Churches.
“Kenny Perry’s pledge doesn’t come as a surprise because he has a long history of giving back and supporting worthy causes,” said Rick George, PGA TOUR Chief of Operations. “We applaud Kenny and Jim Justice for using the week of The Greenbrier Classic as a way to support the families affected by the April mining disaster. It is a wonderful example of what can happen when members of the PGA TOUR family work together for a common purpose.”
The historic West Virginia resort will sponsor and host The Greenbrier Classic the week of July 26-August 1, with The Old White Course, The Greenbrier’s original of three golf courses, serving as the site of the tournament. The event will feature a field of 156 players competing for a $6 million purse.
The Old White Course, measuring over 7,000 yards and playing to par 70, was originally designed by Charles Blair MacDonald in 1914 and was recently restored to its original design by Lester George. Over the years, many of the game’s greatest players, including Sam Snead, Tom Watson, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino have graced The Greenbrier’s fairways. World Golf Hall of Fame member Snead, the winningest player in PGA TOUR history, was the resort’s pro for 29 years and served as Golf Professional Emeritus from 1993 until his death in 2002. Tom Watson became The Greenbrier’s second Golf Professional Emeritus in 2005.
