DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2017 – Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf® is putting its gently used golf equipment to good use. The company formally announced its partnership with Bunkers in Baghdad, a New York-based charitable organization that ships supplies to overseas troops seeking leisure-time entertainment and/or physical rehabilitation.
In 2016, Topgolf donated 11,000 left- and right-handed golf clubs, 600 yards of turf squares and 21,000 golf balls to the charity. Topgolf will continue this equipment recycling initiative in 2017 as the company aims to open seven new venues this year.
“We are honored to partner with Bunkers in Baghdad to recycle our golf balls, clubs and turf and provide our military troops with a fun way to relax during their leisure time,” said Topgolf Entertainment Group Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson. “We’ve received photos and notes from troops stationed all over the world using our equipment, and it’s a privilege to share a small piece of Topgolf with these soldiers who are bravely serving our country.”
Topgolf inspires people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition. With 31 venues entertaining 10.5 million Guests annually and the world’s largest digital golf audience, Topgolf creates unforgettable, shared experiences through actively engaged associates and guests.
In addition to Bunkers in Baghdad, Topgolf is partnered with Folds of Honor to fundraise for educational scholarships for children and spouses of disabled or fallen service members. The company also offers a Heroes Discount to active-duty service members and veterans at all of its venues nationwide.
“The idea behind Bunkers in Baghdad is simple: we collect and ship golf equipment to our troops and vets around the world. Bunkers is busier than ever, and our partnership with Topgolf was really a blessing last year,” said Joe Hanna, founder of Bunkers in Baghdad. “Our troops truly appreciate anything we send them – especially a little slice of home. The majority of feedback we hear from our soldiers is, ‘Thank you for not forgetting about us.'”