Golf, Ill. – August 18, 2026 – The Illinois PGA Foundation announced a new partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore that will support two of the Foundation’s primary pillars: Junior Golf and military veteran initiatives.
As part of its $15,000 contribution, PGA TOUR Superstore pledged $5 for every birdie recorded during the 2026 Illinois PGA Junior Tour season through the Foundation’s new Building With Birdies initiative.
Illinois PGA Junior Tour players combined to make 881 birdies during the season, resulting in a $4,405 contribution from PGA TOUR Superstore toward the initiative. The remaining amount of the company’s donation will support PGA HOPE and other military veteran programs and events conducted by the Illinois PGA Foundation in 2026, including the Illinois PGA Pro-Veteran taking place at Winnetka Golf Club on October 1, 2026.
“We are extremely grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting two important areas of the Illinois PGA Foundation’s mission,” said Carrie Williams, Illinois PGA Section and Foundation Executive Director. “Its commitment to Building With Birdies directly recognizes the accomplishments of our Junior Tour players, while its additional support will help us continue providing meaningful golf experiences for veterans throughout Illinois.”
Building With Birdies is a new fundraising program designed this year to directly benefit the Illinois PGA Junior Tour and junior golf programming throughout the state. Participants had the opportunity to pledge a designated amount of money for every birdie made during the Junior Tour season or make a flat donation to the initiative.
PGA TOUR Superstore’s pledge of $5 per birdie represented the largest commitment to the Building With Birdies initiative. For the 2026 season.
“At PGA TOUR Superstore, we believe in the power of the game to create opportunity and bring people together,” said Ralph Stokes, Vice President of Social Impact, Partnerships, and Community Relations, PGA TOUR Superstore. “Through our partnership with the Illinois PGA Foundation, we’re honored to support the achievements of junior golfers through Building With Birdies and help create new pathways in the game. We’re also honored to support veterans through PGA HOPE, a program that fosters connection, camaraderie and a sense of community for those who have served.”
The partnership will also provide significant support for PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH. PGA HOPE introduces golf to military veterans and active-duty service members to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Illinois PGA Foundation programming is conducted by PGA of America Golf Professionals who are trained in adaptive golf and military culture.
Through its investment in Building With Birdies, PGA HOPE and other veteran initiatives, PGA TOUR Superstore will help the Illinois PGA Foundation expand access to the game and create a positive impact in communities throughout Illinois.
About the Illinois PGA/Illinois PGA Foundation
The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With over 840 members and apprentices, the Illinois PGA is one of the 41 regional Sections that comprise the PGA of America. The mission of the Illinois PGA Foundation is to improve lives and positively impact communities through the game of golf. For more information about the Illinois PGA and the Illinois PGA Foundation, please visit www.ipga.com and join us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About PGA TOUR Superstore
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Quinn
Illinois PGA Communications
708.336.1294 mobile
kbquinn@pgahq.com
ILLINOIS PGA FOUNDATION CONTACT:
Nik Lapin
Development Consultant | Illinois PGA Foundation
847.971.0718 mobile
nlapin@pgahq.com