Golf Advocates Donate $30,000 to Pasadena-Area Youth Programs

The Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Foundation has donated $30,400 to support fire relief efforts in Altadena following January’s devastating wildfires that struck the community. The donation, announced during an event held at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena on Thursday, May 1, will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena.

“This donation reflects the APGA’s commitment to using golf as a platform for change,” said Ken Bentley, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-Founder of the APGA. “Our hearts go out to the families impacted by the Altadena fires, and we’re proud to stand with these outstanding youth organizations that are making a difference.”

The donation originated from $9,300 raised through birdies and eagles made during the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational in January. Matching contributions from Farmers Insurance and Bentley, along with additional support, brought the total to $30,400. The funds will help replace equipment lost in the fires, expand youth programming and support families facing hardships.

Leaders from the recipient organizations emphasized the deeper meaning of the donation — not just in dollars, but in the message of resilience and community it brings.

“This generous donation means everything to our youth,” said Mark Fritz of First Tee – Greater Pasadena. “Beyond the financial help, it sends a powerful message: that their community believes in them and is here to support them through tough times.”

The event included appearances by Bentley, APGA Tour players Andrew Fernandez, Jonathan Yoshihiro and Rovonta Young, as well as youth and staff from both recipient organizations.

The event concluded with a surprise check presentation, group photo opportunity and interviews with representatives from the APGA, the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and First Tee – Greater Pasadena.

Farmers Insurance, a longtime APGA sponsor focused on expanding access and opportunity in golf and beyond, provided critical support for the donation effort.

The APGA Tour, established in 2010 as a nonprofit organization, works to inspire an inclusive future through golf by hosting professional tournaments, operating player development programs, and introducing the game to inner city youth. The organization conducts 18 tournaments annually with more than $1 million in prize and bonus money and has organized a Player Development Program specifically to aid young minority golfers as they work to chase their professional golf goals.

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has been a cornerstone of the community since 1937, providing a safe and structured environment for young people ages 5-18 after school, during holidays, and on summer vacation.

First Tee – Greater Pasadena helps children ages 5-17 develop not only their golf swing but also their inner strength and character, with a specific target for 5th through 8th graders. Beyond Brookside, they operate programs at eight additional golf facilities throughout the area including Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Arroyo Seco, Eaton Canyon, Marshall Canyon, Mountain Meadows, and Santa Anita Golf Courses.