CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As it turns out, driving and driving require vastly different skill-sets.
“I can’t drive,” said 2014 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion Chase Elliott, discussing his golf game. “Can’t chip, can’t putt – it’s all bad, I promise.”
But he – just like his Hendrick Motorsports teammates – was all smiles to support this year’s Learn Live Hope golf tournament to benefit the Hendrick Marrow Program, Levine Children’s Hospital and Drive to End Hunger.
The annual celebrity tournament for charity has continued to grow every year of its existence to reach the point where it stands today.
“I think back -- I think the first couple we did we would raise $50,000 or $75,000,” Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said. “It just kept getting bigger and bigger. It is unbelievable how much money we raise now and how much fun it is. Just to have the people to show up, like Reggie Jackson and last year Dan Marino, and all the Panthers that are here and all the drivers.”
This year’s event – presented by Bank of America Merrill Lynch – raised nearly $1.7 million toward the three charities. More than 500 guests celebrated the cause Sunday night and 268 golfers took part in Monday’s tournament.
“It is enormous this year – we sold out both at the celebration event last night and at golf today,” said Courtney Hurd, director of the Hendrick Marrow Program. “So from a fundraiser’s perspective, it is a good problem to have.”
Monday began with a demonstration by a trick shot artist, who invited everyone ranging from Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to former Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker and FOX Sports broadcaster Mike Joy to participate.
The fun gave way to more fun, when the golf carts got the green flag to head onto the course for a round of golf for a good cause.
“It means a lot to be able to do things with Mr. Hendrick – he puts such a big effort into charity,” Kahne said. “It is always pretty awesome when you hear some of the stories throughout the season of what he and Mrs. Hendrick will do to help other families.”
And while the Hendrick Motorsports drivers are happy to help with charitable efforts no matter the location, there’s just something special about the annual golf tournament.
“It is just fun for everybody. Everybody is in a great mood, looking forward to a great day out on the course,” Earnhardt said. “This is a great event that has done a lot of good over the years and gets bigger and bigger.”
For on-the-course photos from the event, click here.