Registration is now open for the eighth annual Els for Autism Golf Challenge, one of the largest charity-driven, amateur golf tournaments in history. The Hilton Head Island regional event will be played at Harbour Town Golf Links Sept. 10.
Registration is $650 per player and includes a round of golf, welcome meal, an awards reception, prizes and gift bag.
The Golf Challenge, spearheaded by four-time Major champion and World of Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els, is an event series held between April and October at more than 15 of North America’s finest golf courses.
In this event series, a team’s fundraising ability is valued as much as its performance on the golf course. Teams compete in a combined low-net event for a selection of first class regional prizes, and all teams that raise $13,000 or more will join Els at the Grand Finale in Palm Beach, Fla., at The Breakers Hotel Oct. 28 and 29.
Each team registers online at e4aGolf.com and is encouraged to choose an Honorary Captain, an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Teams are assigned their own fundraising page and may share it with friends, family and colleagues soliciting donations for their team.
Since its inaugural 2011 series, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge has grown every year and has raised a total of over $18.4 million. The series has also helped raise awareness of ASD, that now affects 1 in 68 children, and 1 in 42 boys in the U.S.
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Els and his wife Liezl, residents of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., shortly after their son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism.
For more information on the Golf Challenge, the full events schedule and to register, visit: www.e4aGolf.com.
For more information about the Foundation, visit ElsForAutism.org.
