On October 8, at a press conference at Soldier Field, the PGA TOUR officially announced the 2026 Presidents Cup, which will bring the world’s top golfers to Medinah Country Club next September. In addition to celebrating the countdown to tournament week, they also announced a $250,000 donation to First Tee – Greater Chicago, a nonprofit that helps kids in underserved neighborhoods build confidence, character, and leadership skills through golf. With this event, the team organizing this tournament demonstrated how to elevate an event beyond its agenda, creating an experience that not only achieves its goal but is also impactful to the community.
When Events Leave a Legacy
For planners, every event is a chance to connect people. The most memorable ones also find ways to give something back. The Presidents Cup has long understood that events can do both, and its work in Chicago is proof of how purpose and planning can go hand in hand.
“In its 30-year history, the Presidents Cup has always been about more than world-class golf, it’s about creating a meaningful legacy in the communities that welcome this event,” said 2026 Presidents Cup Executive Director Joie Chitwood.
That commitment to legacy is central to the tournament’s identity. Since its inception, the Presidents Cup has generated more than $56.5 million for charitable causes globally. This most recent contribution to First Tee – Greater Chicago brings the total giving tied to the 2026 tournament to $500,000, following an earlier donation to the DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center.
Celebrating Community at Soldier Field
The Chicago announcement could have been a simple press release, but instead it became a celebration of community. U.S. Team Captain Brandt Snedeker and International Team Captain Geoff Ogilvy joined young golfers from First Tee for a charity shootout that transformed the morning into a friendly U.S. versus International competition.
To add to the fun, Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles and Staley the Bear joined the fun, adding a bit of humor to the day.
When the oversized check was presented, it wasn’t just about the money raised, but it represented the future of the industry. The event’s format made it easy for everyone to feel connected to the cause. It was a perfect example of how incorporating purpose directly into programming can make an announcement feel alive, meaningful, and memorable.
An Investment in the Next Generation
For First Tee – Greater Chicago, the donation is more than financial support. It is an investment in the next generation of leaders.
“On behalf of our entire First Tee – Greater Chicago community, we are deeply grateful to the Presidents Cup for this extraordinary investment in our mission and youth serving programs,” said CEO Jill Sylvester. “This gift will allow us to expand our impact and reach even more young people across our community, providing a curriculum of life skills, mentorship and leadership opportunities through the game of golf.”
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, First Tee – Greater Chicago has reached more than 100,000 kids since its founding. Its programs, offered at park district facilities, public golf courses, and local schools, use golf as a tool to teach patience, focus, and resilience. The Presidents Cup’s gift will help expand those opportunities and deepen the organization’s reach across the city.
How Planners Can Apply This Mindset
For Chicago’s event community, the lesson is clear: any event, large or small, can create a ripple effect of good when purpose is built into the plan.
- Start with alignment. Choose a cause that feels natural to your event’s values. Authentic partnerships inspire authentic participation.
- Make it interactive. Guests remember what they experience, not just what they hear. The Presidents Cup’s charity shootout turned philanthropy into fun.
- Tell the story. Share the “why” behind your cause. People want to understand the difference their support makes.
- Keep it going. Build long-term relationships with your partner organizations so the impact continues after the event ends.
Purpose-driven planning doesn’t have to mean a large donation or global spotlight. It’s as easy as aligning with an organization that may share values in line with your business or event.
The $250,000 gift to First Tee – Greater Chicago isn’t just a headline. It is a reminder that great events can enrich as much as they entertain. As planners, we can actively choose to inspire change that reaches far beyond the day itself.
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