The 10th edition of this annual event took place on 12 March 2018 and raised $1.06 million, bringing the total since the Pro Am’s inception to more than $10 million.
Beautiful Old Palm Golf Club in Florida once again played host to this fundraising event, which has become a firm fixture on the March golfing calendar. As in previous years, an impressive line-up of tour professionals teed-up for the cause: Branden Grace, Bruce Fleisher, Bud Cauley, Cameron Tringale, Camillo Villegas, Charl Schwartzel, Heath Slocum, Jack Nicklaus, Jamie Lovemark, Jon Curran, Keegan Bradley, Louis Oosthuizen, Marc Leishman, Nick Price, Peter Malnati, Peter Uihlein, Robert Allenby, Rory McIlroy, Rory Sabbatini, Thomas Aiken and Tony Finau.
“Guys, thanks so much for your support,” commented Ernie. “Despite some wild weather, it was another special day in the story of Els for Autism and to bring the grand fundraising total at this event to over $10 million is just incredible. Thanks to the amateurs who took part and to our hosts at Old Palm. Thanks also to our inspiration and driving force at this event, Marvin Shanken (pictured below right), and to Wine Australia who sponsored the $1 million hole-in-one contest. Congrats to Robert Allenby and his team who took top honours on the golf course!”
The money raised in the 10-year history of the Annual Wine Spectator & Cigar Aficionado Els for Autism Pro Am is already working hard making a positive difference to the lives of individuals and families on the autism spectrum. You can read more about the work of Els for Autism and the ground-breaking initiatives that have been introduced at The Els Center of Excellence by visiting the website: www.elsforautism.org.
