RDGA golf marathon raises $50K for youth charities

There was a marathon on Monday at Monroe Golf Club–a marathon of golf, of course. The event was put on by the Rochester District Golf Association.

Dozens of players were hitting balls for ten hours straight, all to benefit the First Tee of Western New York and the RDGA Youth on Course program.

“We’re a youth development organization that teaches life skills through the game of golf.” said Executive Director of First Tee WNY Tim Karches. “It’s fantastic to see the confidence build their ability to come out to a golf course and play and meet new friends.”

The nonprofit program provides members an opportunity to play golf on courses all across the county for five dollars or less, among other things.

“One of our partners is the Youth on Course program, which allows kids to golf on local courses… that’s one of our expenses at the end of the year.” said RDGA Junior Golf Director Cody Dubiel.

The marathon lasted from 8am to 6pm. News 8’s own AJ Feldman and Thad Brown were both invited to spend some time on the course and ‘endure’ a day full of drives, chips and putts.

While it’s just the first time the RDGA annual fundraiser was a golf marathon, the event was an extreme success. Over 50-thousand dollars were raised in total, all to benefit Western New York kids.

“It’s truly remarkable the impact that we make on the youth.” said Karches.