The European Tour Wives Association (ETWA), an organisation comprised of the wives and partners of Members of The European Tour, has announced the launch of a new initiative to support charitable causes throughout Europe.
Under the slogan of ‘GOLFERS GIVING BACK’’, the project aims to raise money through the sale of coloured wristbands, which will go on sale to the public beginning with this week’’s BMW Championship – the flagship event on The European Tour – at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.
Many of the world’’s leading golfers, such as World Number Three, Ernie Els, and European Ryder Cup players, Thomas Björn and Paul McGinley, are staunch supporters of the ETWA initiative, which mirrors a similar scheme launched last month by the PGA Tour wives.
The wristbands, which depict the colours of the European flag, bear the word ‘GOLFAID’’ and will cost either £1 or €2 each, or a donation as appropriate and will be available through the Website Shop on www.europeantour.com from Monday, May 30. The bands will be on sale this week in the tented village at the BMW Championship and at future tournaments on The European Tour International Schedule, with the proceeds going to charities local to the areas where tournaments are played throughout Europe.
Pernilla Björn, wife of Danish Ryder Cup player Thomas, said: “We were inspired by the US Tour wives, who have already launched their own wristbands and have raised money for local charities in America. All the ladies in the ETWA thought this was a great idea and wanted to emulate something that we are sure will be very successful. Although golfers throughout the world already donate to many charities, the wristbands are a popular fashion accessory and this is a fun way to make money through everyone who plays golf.”
McGinley, whose wife, Ally, is part of the organising group, commented: “The ladies have excelled themselves by grasping this initiative to raise money for charities local to the event we play in. It is a highly commending project which I support wholeheartedly.”
Els is also supporting his wife, Liezl, and the other members of the ETWA, in their fund-raising project. He said: “This is an excellent way to give something back through the game of golf. If everyone who ever played golf bought just one band each, so many charities would be much better off.”
George O’’Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, added: “Our Members are always very generous with their time for charity initiatives around the world. We do everything we can to support player-led initiatives and we commend the ETWA for launching this worthy project at the BMW Championship – the players’’ own event.”
