Age Cymru and Tenovus have been announced as the Official Charities of The 2014 Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, which, for the first time, will be played at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales from 24-27 July
As part of an unprecedented initiative for The Senior Open Championship, the two charities will each benefit from income generated via ticket sales, as well as having the opportunity to raise further funds and awareness through their association with the Championship.
The appointment of Tenovus extends golf’s legacy in Wales, with the cancer charity having also benefited as the National Charity for The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, generating nearly €1.4 million as a result of its six year association with the biennial contest.
Age Cymru, the largest charity working for older people in Wales, was chosen due to the positive impact the organisation has on the main demographic of The Senior Open Championship across the host country.
Each charity’s name acts a bespoke promotional code which can be used by spectators when purchasing tickets via www.senioropengolf.com or the Championship ticket sales hotline 0800 023 2557.
For each ticket sold in advance of the Championship week using the special promotional code, a £5 donation will be made to the chosen charity, giving their supporter network and general spectators the chance to support these two Welsh causes, as well as watch some of golf’s most iconic names such as Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Tom Watson and Welshman Ian Woosnam in action at Royal Porthcawl.
In addition, both Age Cymru and Tenovus have also been awarded an inventory of hospitality, ticketing and memorabilia enabling them to raise extra funds in the build-up to, during and after the Championship.
The two charities will also have a presence at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in the Spectator Village throughout the Championship week, allowing them to engage with spectators attending the historic Championship.
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, on behalf of the Championship, said: “While various charities have benefited from fundraising activities over the years at The Senior Open Championship, this is the first time we have appointed Official Charities, so we are delighted that both Age Cymru and Tenovus will benefit from this unprecedented initiative.
“The Ryder Cup left such an important charitable legacy in Wales and it is only fitting that this legacy is now extended through Wales’ first Senior Major Championship at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club.”
Richard Nicholls, Age Cymru’s Director of Income Resources, said: “It’s an absolute privilege for Age Cymru to be involved in such a high-profile and prestigious tournament as The 2014 Senior Open Championship. We’re thrilled that the synergy between the tournament and our work with older people across Wales has been recognised.
“We know lots of older people have a passion for golf and play for the health and social benefits it brings. But sadly many older people in Wales live in isolation and need our help. Being isolated and lonely can be as detrimental to a person’s health as any disease. It’s our duty to make sure these people are looked after in later life.
“Our association with The Senior Open will help us to highlight this issue and raise funds so that Age Cymru and its local partners in Wales can be there for the older people that need us.”
Clare Gallie, Director of Income Generation, Tenovus said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as one of the Official Charities of The Senior Open Championship this year alongside Age Cymru.
“Every single day in Wales 52 people are diagnosed with cancer which means our support services for patients and their loved ones are needed now more than ever.
“Building on the legacy of a fantastic Ryder Cup in 2010, we’re teed up for a great week of high-quality golf and the opportunity to raise lots of money that will help us continue our work and be there for anyone affected by cancer in communities throughout Wales, wherever and whenever they need us most.”
European Tour www.europeantour.com
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club www.royalporthcawl.com