PING Adds To “Bubba and Friends Drive to a Million”
PING G-20 Driver
PHOENIX, Arizona — PING announced April 12th it will increase its charitable contribution through the sale of 5,000 pink G20™ drivers. PING will donate $50 per club, thus ensuring a $250,000 donation toward Masters Champion Bubba Watson’s goal of raising $1 million for charity in 2012.
PING’s announcement follows Bubba’s popular win at the 2012 Masters. The 5,000 limited-edition drivers will be available in golf shops around June 1.
“We looked back at the last few days and realized that with all the tremendous energy Bubba has created with his win at the Masters and for our brand, we needed to do more with this opportunity to give back to those in need,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “The response to the pink G20s has exceeded expectations at this point, so we’re increasing our commitment to help bring Bubba closer to his goal of raising $1 million for charity this year.”
In January, Watson announced the formation of “Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million” – a year-long effort to raise $1 million for charity through his own efforts and the support of his partners and sponsors. At that time, PING launched “Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING,” a program that pledges $300 for every drive Bubba hits farther than 300 yards (up to 300 drives). It kicked off the initiative with a $10,000 donation.
Bubba has launched 172 eligible drives of 300-plus yards on the 2012 PGA Tour, raising $61,600 from PING. He is 128 qualifying drives short of 300. Based on his current pace, it’s expected he’ll reach the 300 milestone in June.
Best of all, the funds raised through “Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING” will stay in the Phoenix area, home base for PING Manufacturing’s worldwide headquarters.