Caddy For A Cure: A Great Opportunity for a Great Cause

Have you ever flipped on the television on a Sunday afternoon and spaced out for a few moments while dreaming about what it would be like to just once walk inside the ropes with the likes of Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington or Anthony Kim?

Of course you have. We all have.   

Maybe it was your wife calling your name, your dog licking your face or your kids running around the living room like Olympic sprinters that snapped you out of your brief daydream.

But, no matter what, like clockwork that same fantasy somehow creeps its way back into your mind every single weekend.

Most golf fans can’t sit and watch the PGATOUR for more than 10 minutes without thinking about what it would be like to walk the fairways with a tour professional.

Well, now you can—and you can do so while also helping out an excellent cause.

"Caddy For A Cure" is a non-profit organization that has been working with the PGA TOUR since 2004.

The organization contributes to hundreds of charities around the world, but the core beneficiaries behind the program concept are The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund and The Wounded Warrior Project.

Caddy For A Cure was founded by former PGA TOUR caddie, Russ Holden, after a very close friend of his had a son who was born with Fanconi Anemia.

Fanconi Anemia is a genetic disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. Children with the disorder are very undersized and are often born without several fingers, toes and even limbs. A bone marrow transplant is essential for the survival of any child born with Fanconi Anemia.

Although Fanconi Anemia is primarily a blood disease, it can be extremely debilitating at a very early age and has a heavy impact on both the children and the families affected by the disorder.  

Caddy For A Cure’s other core beneficiary, "The Wounded Warrior Project" (WWP), was first conceived when several war veterans and their families were watching the news one evening and  were moved upon seeing all the severely injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

They realized that something needed to be done for these brave individuals beyond the brass bands and ticker tape parades.

WWP understands that the healing process for our wounded service men and women doesn’t miraculously end the day they check out of the hospital. In fact, when these soldiers check out of the hospital is when they need more help and support than ever.

WWP Alumni provide an avenue for communication, networking, sharing and camaraderie beyond the borders of the hospital room. Programs such as Peer Mentoring, Internships and Warriors to Work are all designed to help serve the long-term needs of our dedicated service men and women.

From educational opportunities to employment assistance programs, wounded warriors are offered access to these valuable services.

Due to injuries sustained while bravely fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy each and every day, some returning veterans are unable to enjoy the game of golf in the same way they used to.  

But, through Caddy For A Cure, these brave young men and women are able to live out one of their dreams by following a PGA TOUR professional from inside the ropes. 

The way Caddy For A Cure works is that individuals who have always dreamt of walking the fairways with a tour professional can do so by placing a bid to caddie during an actual practice or pro-am round at a PGA TOUR event.

The highest bidder will be awarded the opportunity to caddie for the tour professional while several wounded soldiers also follow along from inside the ropes.

Caddy For A Cure is an organization that offers a win-win situation for everyone involved and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to charity.

The players participating in this terrific program are no small time, struggling tour professionals either.

Phil Mickelson, Boo Weekly, J.B Holmes, Fred Couples, Justin Leonard, Stuart Cink and Zach Johnson have all participated in the past as have Padraig Harrington, Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Angel Cabrera and Kenny Perry who are also amongst those scheduled to participate in the coming weeks and months.

“It is utterly amazing to me and what a statement it is about the world of golf and specifically the PGA TOUR and their players, how willing the players are to be a part of Caddy For A Cure. With the recent addition of The Wounded Warrior Project, who can say no to something this worthy?” said Caddy For A Cure Founder & CEO, Russ Holden. 

Want to spend four hours with Kenny Perry and ask him about his experience at the 2008 Ryder Cup, and maybe even ask him about the 2009 Masters if you are feeling brave enough?

Well, you can do so while caddying for him during The Barclays on Aug. 26 in New Jersey.

Want to experience Bethpage Black from inside the ropes?

You can do so while caddying for 2004 British Open Champion, Todd Hamilton, on June 15 at the US Open.

Caddy For A Cure is just one of the many charities and not-for-profit organizations that the PGA TOUR and its players help to support and raise money for every single day.

There is no single sporting league in America right now that raises more money for local, national and international charities than the PGA TOUR.

If you are an avid golf fan and have the means and desire to contribute to a very noble cause, there are few organizations out there that can offer you the experience that Caddy For A Cure can.

Caddy For A Cure has already raised over $400,000 for charity and hopes to surpass the $500,000 mark this year.

Bids for upcoming events are currently being accepted at www.caddyforacure.com