To kick off our role as the Official Vodka of the PGA TOUR, we hosted the first-ever pitch and putt match featuring PGA TOUR professionals, “the Tito's Shorties Classic.”
The stakes were high, the play was electric and with color commentary by the legendary Manolo Vega and LPGA TOUR alum, Belen Mozo, the Shorties Classic was the can't-miss broadcast of the new year.
The Shorties Classic presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka premiered January 5th on the Golf Channel and featured the vintage game of Wolf played by four PGA TOUR professionals: Harry Higgs, Harold Varner III, Pat Perez and Joel Dahmen. For every point each player won in Wolf, Tito's donated $10,000 to the charity they chose to play for.
Here are the charities the players chose to support:
Joel Dahmen: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
Harold Varner III: HV3 Foundation
Launched in January 2019, the HV3 Foundation gives aid to programs that allow youth to access golf and other sports. This 501 (c)3 foundation is the brainchild of Harold Varner, III, who knows firsthand how prohibitive the cost of equipment, proper coaching, and access to courses can be in the game of golf. The mission of the HV3 Foundation is to provide affordable access to youth in sports. “It's not just a game; sometimes it's a chance at a whole new life," said Varner. "Playing golf may lead to a new interest in school, career, mentor, college and beyond--it's a great start for students of all ages and in all sports."
Pat Perez: Operation Game On
Building confidence one-swing-at-a-time, Operation Game On showcases golf as a form of rehabilitation for returning combat-injured troops suffering from physical and mental disabilities. OGO allows our veterans to compete, laugh, relax, focus, and challenge their muscles outside of regular physical therapy—while introducing them to the greatest game ever played and helping them settle into their new lives.
Harry Higgs: Feherty's Troops First Foundation
Feherty’s Troops First Foundation provides meaningful assistance to our military who have been wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through programs and events specifically designed for OIF/OEF combat-wounded service members and their families, Troops First addresses relationship building, mentoring, reintegration and looking forward.
In addition, Troops First initiatives facilitate a greater recognition and understanding of the quality and character of the men and women who volunteer to serve, their families, their daily sacrifices and the constant need to evaluate and improve their quality of life upon their return from service.
