Golf Business News – Amgen Irish Open charity programs raise over £200,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

More than £200,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Ireland at the Amgen Irish Open with £120,000 of that coming from the Birdies for Wishes programme.

Make-A-Wish Ireland has been the official charity partner of the competition for three years running. The Birdies for Wishes campaign was one of several fundraisers on site. Amgen and the DP World Tour have donated £400 to every birdie or better made on the first hole of the Championship Course at Royal County Down.

Amgen golf ambassadors Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power also contributed £14,800 to the total as the trio contributed £400 for every birdie or better they carded during the week.

Additional fundraising took place at the Mega-Putt Challenge site in the Championship Village and using contactless collection points. Pro-Am attendees also donated generously to the organization. Pre-tournament fundraisers include an auction for the Pro-Am Team and Amgen employees participating in the Walk for Wishes program during August. These programs raised a total of £80,000.

The charity's amazing work was evident at the tournament last week as golf stars Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington went above and beyond to give young people an unforgettable experience at the Amgen Irish Open.

Three-time Major winner Harrington met 17-year-old Danny Rooney, who has overcome significant life challenges, facing a three-and-a-half-year battle with leukemia. The golf enthusiast's wish was to experience the Amgen Irish Open with his family, and he was treated to a treat with Harrington during the Celebrity Pro-Am.

Lowry, meanwhile, surprised ten-year-old heart transplant recipient Cian Norris at a private clinic in Royal County Down. After overcoming many life battles following his transplant, Cian's wish was to live long enough to play golf with his hero Lowry, who provided valuable tips, lots of laughs and unforgettable golf experiences.

Funds raised from this year's Amgen Irish Open will help grant more wishes to children aged three to 17 living with life-threatening medical conditions.

Paul Greene, VP, Regional Manufacturing, Amgen said: “It's been an extraordinary week for the Amgen Irish Open with our charity partner, Make-A-Wish Ireland. The Amgen team is delighted to see such important funds raised, which will directly support the organization's important work in providing hope, strength, and joy to children and families facing serious illnesses.

“We are also very grateful to the generosity of our Amgen golf ambassadors – Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, and Séamus Power – and the thousands of attendees who participated throughout the tournament.”

Susan O'Dwyer, CEO, Make-A-Wish Ireland commented: “The generosity and support shown at the Amgen Irish Open has been truly heartwarming. The £200,000 raised will help us grant wishes to children living with life-threatening conditions across Ireland. A huge thank you to Amgen, DP World Tour, Amgen Ambassadors Pádraig, Séamus, and Shane, Pro-Am participants, spectators, and everyone involved in making this event a success.

“Not only does it raise awareness for the charity and allow us to grant wishes locally, but it also plays an important role in our fundraising efforts. Events like this are important in enabling us to grant the number of wishes entered and make a real difference to the lives of the children we help who are living with life-threatening illnesses. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.”