MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - The PGA Tour has donated $150,000 on behalf of the Presidents Cup and International captain Greg Norman to a relief appeal to help victims of the devastating floods in Australia’s Queensland state.
Floodwaters killed 35 people, damaged or destroyed 30,000 homes and businesses and left Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, under water for days.
“It has been incredibly difficult to watch the pain and suffering caused by the recent floods in Australia,” PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement Tuesday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been impacted by this disaster.
“We applaud Greg Norman for his partnership, and together, we hope this donation will provide some relief to those who are going through such a terrible time.”
The Queensland-born Norman said he witnessed Brisbane’s previous worst floods in 1974 and said they “pale by comparison to the current tragedy.”
“I truly appreciate the PGA Tour joining me in making this contribution and extend my heartfelt gratitude for all those who have contributed to the relief efforts,” he said.
Fellow Australian PGA Tour regular Steve Elkington pledged support to the flood relief efforts by earmarking $1,000 per birdie he made during the Bob Hope Classic at La Quinta, Calif., last month. He made 24 birdies for a $24,000 donation to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
The Presidents Cup is a Ryder Cup-style competition held every two years between the United States and an International team. The 2011 edition will be played Nov. 15-20 at Royal Melbourne.
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