A PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. program, Birdies for the Brave is the PGA TOUR’s primary vehicle for supporting the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Since 2005, the TOUR has joined with PGA TOUR players and corporate partners to raise millions of dollars for military homefront groups that directly serve military men and women lost or seriously injured in performance of their duty, through fundraising events at TPC clubs nationwide.

Birdies for the Brave was originally created by TOUR player Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, to support troops injured during combat. For each birdie or eagle made by Phil throughout the season, a contribution of $100 for a birdie or $500 for an eagle is made to Homes For Our Troops and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Since the program’s inception, Birdies for the Brave has grown to include a variety of military outreach efforts, including Patriots' Outpost military hospitality chalets and military celebrations held during PGA TOUR tournaments; letter-writing campaigns for the troops; the distribution of care packages to troops stationed abroad; and a series of fundraising events conducted at the TOUR’s TPC Network of clubs nationwide – enabling fans, club members, sponsors and the general public the opportunity to participate in charity golf tournaments and other activities that directly benefit military men and women and their families, while at the same time play the same sensational golf courses where the world’s best golfers compete. For a complete list of 2010 Birdies for the Brave fundraising events, please click here.

Birdies for the Brave fundraising events benefit eight military homefront groups that are part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s America Supports You initiative: Homes For Our Troops and Special Operations Warrior Foundation supported by Phil Mickelson; Wounded Warrior Project supported by TOUR players Nick Watney, Boo Weekley, Jason Gore & Frank Lickliter II; Operation Homefront supported by TOUR player Corey Pavin; Naval Special Warfare Foundation supported by TOUR players Jerry Kelly, Frank Lickliter II & Vijay Singh; Military Warriors Support Foundation supported by TOUR player Ted Purdy; Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and United Through Reading supported by TOUR player Rory Sabbatini.

Giving back is at the heart of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Charities. PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. It was established in 1985 to generate funds for donation to and support of other qualified charitable organizations. Contributions to PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. In addition to Birdies for the Brave, other fundraising efforts of PGA TOUR Charities include the U.S. Golf Tsunami Relief Fund and Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, as well as Champions Tour for the Cure and 9/11 relief efforts.