Golf gives back with backpack challenge

The PGA TOUR Wives Association helped to kick off the 2016 Deutsche Bank Championship on Thursday morning with the Golf Gives BackPACK CHALLENGE in a charity event to benefit the Norton Public Schools. Two teams competed in a race to pack 300 backpacks with school supplies, which will be donated to local children. The PGA TOUR Wives Association took on pros Roberto Castro, David Lingmerth and Kevin Streelman, and a few New England-area Earl Woods Scholars.

“It just means a lot to give back to the local community,” Streelman said. “I think that’s what’s so special about the PGA TOUR — we don’t just come to play a golf tournament, but we try to leave a bit of legacy and help out both locals in need and charities. It’s what sets us apart form a lot of other professional organizations.”

This friendly competition symbolized exactly what the Deutsche Bank Championship has meant to the New England area over the past 14 years and how the championship constantly leaves its mark on the community.

“Something that’s very easy for players to forget is how much goes on behind the scenes and how much of a positive impact the tournaments have on the local community, so it’s cool to be reminded of that and to see it in person,” Castro said. “It was a lot of fun today.”

Ultimately, this charity event was just another example of the many aspects that combine to make the Deutsche Bank Championship a favorite annual Labor Day weekend tradition.

“It’s a joy to give back,” Streelman said. “It’s a course that I really enjoy, and the people are awesome. The fan turnout is great, and I hope they continue to come out this week, but I’m sure they will.”