‘Mr. Nelson would be proud:’ PGA’s Ryan Palmer helping charities for canceled events
Ryan Palmer had a simple reason in starting up “Pros For A Purpose,” an avenue that raises money for the charities of canceled PGA Tour events amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“These tournaments roll out the red carpet for us each and every week,” said Palmer, a Texas A&M product and Colleyville resident who has been on the PGA Tour since 2004.
“We just thought what a great way to, in my mind, say ‘thank you’ to these tournaments. These times are hard for them. They’re losing money. Their charities aren’t raising money. What a great way to return the favor and raise as much money as we can for these tournaments.”
Palmer and his wife Jennifer got it started with a $20,000 donation with the goal of helping nine PGA Tour events affected by the pandemic, including the Dallas’ AT&T Byron Nelson.
Palmer is hopeful that more players and fans join the charge, but isn’t going to force it on anyone. He just wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to help out the canceled events.
The gesture is appreciated by the tournaments.
The Byron Nelson, for instance, is the chief fundraiser for the Salesmanship Club, which has raised more than $160 million for charity. The PGA Tour combined has raised more than $3 billion for charities from all of its events.
“We are grateful for Ryan, and for the way he continues to serve as a role model both on and off the course,” said John Jenkins, 2020 AT&T Byron Nelson tournament chair. “He has always been supportive of us and the PGA Tour as a whole and we are inspired that he would make this important contribution to the events that have been canceled during this pandemic.
“Mr. Nelson would be very proud.”
For Palmer, it’s the least he can do. He knows how much of an impact each local community feels when the PGA Tour is in town.
All of that has fallen by the wayside amid the pandemic.
“This is just a way to say you’ve done so much for us,” Palmer said. “Here’s our way of saying, ‘Thank you.’ I wanted to get it started. If more players come in and help, that’d be great. I’m putting it out there and, if you want to be involved, great.”
Surreal moment
Palmer was playing in The Players Championship last month, but had a feeling the tournament could be called at any moment. This happened at the time when college conferences across the country were canceling basketball tournaments and the NCAA called off March Madness.
With an afternoon tee time for the first round on Thursday, Palmer knew he may not even finish his round. He did, but the text came later that night that the remainder of the tournament had been canceled.
“It was a surreal moment going to the clubhouse Friday to pick up my clubs, and do some interviews with the media,” Palmer said. “It was just a sad, somber day. It was definitely unique.”
The PGA Tour hasn’t returned since, although Palmer is doing his best to stay sharp. After all, he was in the midst of a terrific season.
Palmer has already topped the $1 million mark in earnings this season. He’s made eight of nine cuts, including two top-10 finishes.
Things were more promising in the coming weeks, too, with a favorable stretch on the horizon.
Palmer has traditionally played well at events such as the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, which was scheduled for this weekend. Later in the month was supposed to be the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he and Jon Rahm were set to defend their team title.
Next month would have seen Palmer playing in front of the hometown crowd at the AT&T Byron Nelson.
For now, Palmer is doing what he can to stay fresh as Tarrant County is allowing golf courses to remain open.
“I’ve been practicing every other day, if not every day,” said Palmer, who has been practicing mostly out of Vaquero Club in Westlake. “I’ve got a gym here at the house, so I’m definitely working out and staying in shape. Whenever we start playing again, I’ll be ready to go.”
Colonial hope
The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club is scheduled to be the first PGA Tour event back from May 21-24.
Signs aren’t promising, particularly on the heels of the USGA postponing the U.S. Women’s Open in Houston that was scheduled two weeks later, June 4-7. But Palmer would love to see the Colonial played, a tournament where he has four top-10 finishes including a tie for sixth last year.
Every golfer is ready to get back in action whenever it’s deemed safe enough, even if that means with limited or no fans.
“I think live golf would be great for people at home, hopefully boost some morale around the country,” Palmer said.
Fittingly, Palmer went on to mention tying the purse to charitable causes. Instead of a $7.5 million purse, Palmer said, make it $5 million and donate $2.5 million to charities fighting COVID-19.
“I don’t think any player would care if the purse is $5 million and not $7.5,” Palmer said. “But we’ll see. We still have a long way to go, but hopefully we’re playing Colonial next month.”
