Accenture Match Play Championship Generates Big Charity Amount

November 2, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

MARANA, Ariz.—The 2011 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship generated $1,348,000 for youth charities in the Tucson area. The announcement came as the Tucson Conquistadores, which partners with the tournament to be the sales arm and charitable contribution beneficiary of the tournament, prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2012.

Since the Accenture Match Play Championship moved to Tucson in 2007, more than $7.5 million has been raised for area charities as a result of the tournament, which annually brings together the world’s top-64 golfers in a match-play competition. As the first of four World Golf Championships events, the Nov. 2 announcement brings the total charitable contributions from the global series to $38.1 million since the tournaments began in 1999.

“I’m still relatively new to the Accenture Match Play Championship family, but it’s already obvious to me just how much of an impact this event makes on the local area,” said Gerald Goodman, executive director of the tournament. “I’m proud to celebrate today’s announcement with our title sponsor, Accenture, the Tucson Conquistadores, the tournament staff and all of the fans who support our efforts to make a difference in the Tucson community. When you see what is possible for charity here in our own backyard, you realize that the Accenture Match Play Championship is much more than a world-class golf tournament. The positive impact we can make through this event extends far beyond the golf course and throughout the entire year.”

“In conjunction with our tournament, Accenture has been delighted to work with the PGA TOUR, the Tucson Conquistadores and the communities of Tucson and Marana in supporting local area charitable organizations,” said Accenture chief marketing and communications officer, Roxanne Taylor. “In addition to raising funds for the many worthwhile charities, the 2012 Accenture Match Play Championship promises to be an exciting world-class professional golf event for the tens of thousands who have the opportunity to attend and the millions of television viewers around the world.”

Proceeds from the Accenture Match Play Championship primarily benefit The Tucson Conquistadores youth charities, including The First Tee of Tucson, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA and Pima County Special Olympics.  With approximately 1,500 local youth participants, The First Tee of Tucson is a non-profit organization that strives to promote sportsmanship, character development and life enhancing values to youth of all backgrounds, ages 5-17. Since 1962, The Tucson Conquistadores have contributed more than $24 million to youth organizations.