The HyFlyers Golf Club, captained by Phil Mickelson, has launched a new community impact programme in partnership with Bunkers in Baghdad and their Bunkers Buddies initiative. This collaboration aims to support military personnel and promote civic engagement among youth.
At the upcoming LIV Golf Houston event, fans can receive grounds pass tickets by donating 12 golf balls at HyFlyers drop boxes from Friday to Sunday, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The donated golf balls will be sent to troops in 80 countries and all 50 states, as well as to veterans and active-duty military personnel, for recreation and rehabilitation purposes.
15,000,000 balls
Bunkers in Baghdad has made a significant impact over its 15-year history, donating 15 million golf balls and 1.5 million clubs. Additionally, the organisation partners with 2,000 schools nationwide through the Bunkers Buddies programme, which encourages students to engage in community service activities, such as writing letters, drawing pictures, and holding equipment drives to support the military.
“We are forever grateful for the sacrifice that the men and women of our country have made to provide the freedoms we all take for granted,” said Mickelson. “We want to help bring some enjoyment to our military with the game of golf and teach the next generation the meaning of giving back.”
Community
This week, Mickelson and his team conducted a special clinic for children of high-ranking military officers stationed in Houston. The event included activities aligned with the Bunkers Buddies programme, where kids decorated golf balls and wrote heartfelt letters to be sent with recycled equipment to military personnel overseas. Mickelson also honoured local golf legend Jackie Burke by teaching the children a drill he learned from Burke, further connecting the community through the sport of golf.
The HyFlyers GC and Bunkers in Baghdad partnership aims to instil values of kindness and service in young people while providing much-needed recreational support to military personnel. This initiative highlights the importance of community involvement and the positive impact that sports can have on both individuals and society as a whole.