News and Press

THANKSGIVING DAY WEEKEND WRAP UP
November 26, 2023

Applied Underwriters Invitational Golf Tournament Garners Over $10M for Charities

Ryder Cup Winner Luke Donald, Applied President Jamie Sahara Interviewed by Sportscaster Jim Kelly

Luke Donald and Jamie Sahara Emmy Award winning sportscaster Jim Kelly interviews Luke Donald (watch here) and Jamie Sahara (watch here) on the impact of the Invitational

Omaha, Nebraska… Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26, 2023 -- As the world’s largest annual charity golf event heads into its final rounds, Applied Underwriters, the sponsor of the Applied Underwriters Invitational tournament has announced that the effort has set a new record and raised more than 10 million dollars for the more than 70 charities that benefit from the tournament.

According to Jamie Sahara, Commissioner of the Invitational and President of Applied Underwriters, who was joined by Ryder Cup Champion, Luke Donald, in an interview with Emmy and ACE Award winning sportscaster Jim Kelly in assessing the tournament's impact, this year’s events have distinct sporting and participatory highlights: "The 2023 tournament season has been a sensational success and an incomparable event with more than 11,000 golfers competing in 80 tournaments nationwide with 74 of the competing foursomes selected for the finals. We’ve so far raised over $10M, and we project to break $11M by the Finals. The facts speak convincingly of our tournament's success.”

Mr. Sahara pointed out some highlights from the season:

  • Nearly 11,000 golfers have participated

  • Nearly 1,600 individuals have volunteered

  • There have been four holes-in-one, all in the span of two weeks.

  • Celebrity involvement including sports and entertainment legends: Jim Kelly, Kelly Tilghman, Cedric The Entertainer, Anthony Anderson, Marcus Allen, Hale Irwin, Steve Garvey, Alex English, Peter Jacobsen, Ronnie Lott, Chris DiMarco, Bobby Orr, Nancy Lopez, Ricky Henderson and MC Hammer, to name a few.

Created in 1987, the Invitational is the longest-running, most successful and largest charity amateur golf event in the world. The tournaments are played across the United States on some of the most renowned courses with each local tournament benefiting one charity in its community.

Mr. Sahara noted that the Invitational raised $1.2M more than last season. Historically, the tournament has raised a total net of over $286M in charitable donations.

The Applied Underwriters Invitational starts each June, with the winning foursome of each golf tournament going on to play in the finals the following May. This year the National Finals will be held on May 1, 2024 for the first time at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, created by Bass Pro Shops' founder Johnny Morris. It is 4,600 acres deep in the heart of the Ozarks, and is considered one of the greatest golf experiences in the country featuring championship courses designed by top names in golf including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.


For further information contact:
Ryan Gerding, Public Relations, at +1 (913) 602-8531 or at press@auw.com.

About the Applied Underwriters Invitational (www.invitational.com)
The Applied Underwriters Invitational, the #1 Charity Event in GolfTM, and its title sponsor, Applied Underwriters, support charitable partners in holding up communities and championing those in need. Each year, over 11,000 golfers play in approximately 75 tournaments benefitting more than 65 national and local charities across the U.S. Since its inception, the Invitational has conducted more than 4,400 tournaments, raising over $286 million in net proceeds for its benefiting charities.

About Applied Underwriters
Applied Underwriters® is a global risk services firm that helps businesses and people manage uncertainty through its business services, insurance and reinsurance solutions. As a company, Applied Underwriters has been distinguished by its innovative approaches to client care and by its strong financial strength. Applied Underwriters operates widely throughout the US, UK, EU and Middle East. Its operational headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

©2024 Applied Underwriters, Inc. Rated 'A-' (Excellent) by AM Best. Insurance plans protected U.S. Patent No. 7,908,157.