American Express – ‘Charity is the whole lot’ Tony Finau, Phil Mickelson speak American Express Charity Problem

For the primary time ever, the American Express golf match in La Quinta is not going to have the three-day pro-am. As a replacement was the first-ever Charity Problem.

Two of the highest 30 golfers on the earth, alongside movie star companions, battled it out on the again 9 of the PGA West Pete Dye Stadium course. The $1 million exhibition match is to help native Coachella Valley charities.

“I’m appreciative of American Express actually stepping up and sustaining the extent of this occasion and the charitable contributions, and that’s actually the place this charitable problem got here from, was them creating alternatives to create charitable {dollars} and so, I’m appreciative of them considering exterior the field and actually making an attempt to maintain this match elevated because it continues to get higher every year,” mentioned match host Phil Mickelson.

“I really like being an envoy for American Express. You realize, I believe that’s an genuine factor for me and once they introduced forth, you already know, had some concepts just a few months in the past of probably having a star matchup or actually something. I informed them I’m all in,” mentioned World No. 22 Tony Finau.

Finau partnered with former skilled soccer famous person Landon Donovan. The opposite workforce was World No. 27 Paul Casey and nation music star Jake Owen.

Finau and Donovan performed for ‘Youth Development and Education’ charities whereas Casey and Owen performed for ‘Health and Wellness’ charities.

Casey and Owen gained, incomes $660,000 for his or her charities. Finau and Donovan raised $340,000.

“Charity is everything, I think, in our game. The PGA Tour has done a tremendous job on the amount and the impact that I think we have on communities,” Finau mentioned.

“The Coachella Valley has been very supportive of this tournament for half a century and the ability to contribute to the people here and many of the local charities that continue to help those in need is an important part of this tournament. It’s an important part of the game of golf and I’m appreciative that we’re able to continue it, even in this time of a pandemic,” mentioned Mickelson.

The World Golf Corridor of Famer, Mickelson is emceeing the problem. Mickelson will take part all through on “Phil’s challenges,” which give the chance to lift addition {dollars} for charity.

“We’re going to have a great time out there, but it’s even better when you know that the money that’s being raised is for a great cause and is going to help others. I love being a part of that and, you know, having a foundation myself, I know what it means,” Finau mentioned.

PGA West’s Director of Golf Chris Caballero was the caddy for the Charity Problem. When requested what a part of the expertise stood out most, he mentioned, “Phil’s humor! You realize, I imply it looks as if the whole lot out of his mouth was a joke, however he had fun with it. And once more, he was very appreciative of the whole lot that’s happening this week and we do recognize Phil and what he does for the match.”

The $6.7 million American Express begins Thursday on the PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course and Nicklaus Match Course in La Quinta, awarding $1,134,000 to Sunday’s champion.

GOLF Channel will present reside protection of every spherical of The American Express (Thursday-Sunday) from 12-Four p.m. PT.

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