Charles Howell III is providing financial support and a strong voice to boost the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour, a tour that began 10 years ago for minority players.
He is donating $100 for every eagle and $50 for every birdie to the APGA Tour and the Advocates Foundation, the charitable arm that reaches inner-city children to promote healthy lifestyles and provide scholarships.
In an Instagram post last month, Howell said he wanted to partner with the APGA Tour to create more opportunities for minorities in golf.
''I believe in a better America, and I want to be part of the solution,'' he said.
The APGA Tour has up to eight tournaments with over $250,000 in prize money. The Lexus Cup Bonus Pool provides an additional $30,000 for APGA Tour members. The tour also has a division for amateurs with a handicap index of 5 or less.
Farmers Insurance has pledged to match Howell's donation. The company got involved with the APGA Tour in January when it staged a tournament at Torrey Pines on the North Course during the weekend of the Farmers Insurance Open.
''It is a privilege to take this step in support of the APGA and its programs to develop African American talent and advance the cause of diversity in professional golf,'' Howell said. ''We're all more aware now in the wake of the George Floyd tragedy, and I see this as just one step in what I hope can be an industry-wide initiative. The APGA has been working at this for a decade now. The organization has made great strides. I want to help them meet their moment.''
