More than charities benefit from BMW Pro-Am

GREER — A drive to Thornblade from Pickens County might seem like a long trip but the BMW Charity Pro-Am’s reach goes beyond Greenville County by benefiting a wide range of charities — plus it is an affordable and relaxing way to enjoy watching the pros tee it up.

The event wrapped up May 22 with Richy Werenski finishing with his second straight 6-under 65 for a two-stroke victory. Werenski, the 24-year-old former Georgia Tech player who won the Golf Channel’s “Big Break” series last year, birdied the par-5 15th and 16th holes and closed with two pars at the Thornblade Club. He finished the three-course event at 21-under 265.

While Werenski took home the prize of $121,500 for his performance and first Web.com tour win, it is the charities, the Upstate and golf fans who truly win with this event. The charities see much needed revenue, the Upstate sees a boost in economics and fans have the opportunity to see what could be the future of the PGA and a few celebrities.

According to the official website for the charity/professional golf event, the charities include BMW Car Club of America Foundations, Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greenville, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Greenville Tech Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, Harvest Hope Food Bank and Mobile Meals of Spartanburg.

It also includes the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), New Foundations Home for Children, Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS), Project HOPE Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, Shriners Hospital for Children-Greenville, SYNNEX Share the Magic, The First Tee of Greenville, The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation, Upstate Warrior Solution and Urban League of the Upstate.

A 2014 study conducted by the International Institute of Tourism Research and Development at Clemson University, showing the economic impact of expenditures concerning tournament operations found the “2013 tournament generated total direct spending of $4.712 million, supported 139 jobs, generated net local government revenues $541,048 and net state government revenues of $868,479, and yielded $6.744 million in total output/ impact.”

Alfonso Ribiero of Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame was among the celebrities to participate in the BMW Charity Pro-Am and welcomed the opportunity to interact with the gallery as he played his rounds in Greer.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_CSC_0145.jpgAlfonso Ribiero of Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame was among the celebrities to participate in the BMW Charity Pro-Am and welcomed the opportunity to interact with the gallery as he played his rounds in Greer. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Most tournaments and locations become so overcrowded enjoying the tournament is impossible, but at Thornblade the facility is able to accommodate and allow patrons the chance to see the action up close and personal.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0058.jpgMost tournaments and locations become so overcrowded enjoying the tournament is impossible, but at Thornblade the facility is able to accommodate and allow patrons the chance to see the action up close and personal. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

The BMW Charity Pro-Am is always held close to or in conjunction with Memorial Day and takes serious the recognition of those who have served or lost their lives in service to their country.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0076.jpgThe BMW Charity Pro-Am is always held close to or in conjunction with Memorial Day and takes serious the recognition of those who have served or lost their lives in service to their country. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

South Carolina was well represented on what turned out to be a fine weekend of golf despite the rain soaked course Thursday and Friday.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0087.jpgSouth Carolina was well represented on what turned out to be a fine weekend of golf despite the rain soaked course Thursday and Friday. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Dennis Haysbert, who gladly tells you that you’re in good hands, more than once showed his driver was in good hands. Haysbert is also a celebrity for his role as President David Palmer in the Fox series “24” and for his work in “Navy SEALS.”

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0091.jpgDennis Haysbert, who gladly tells you that you’re in good hands, more than once showed his driver was in good hands. Haysbert is also a celebrity for his role as President David Palmer in the Fox series “24” and for his work in “Navy SEALS.” D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Even the tee markers are fun and kind of look like some sort of miniature drag race.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0107.jpgEven the tee markers are fun and kind of look like some sort of miniature drag race. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

The U.S. Marines participated in this year’s BMW Charity Pro-Am. The flag on the 18th green was a miniature Stars and Stripes and was attended throughout the tournament by one of the service members.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0116.jpgThe U.S. Marines participated in this year’s BMW Charity Pro-Am. The flag on the 18th green was a miniature Stars and Stripes and was attended throughout the tournament by one of the service members. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Several grandstands adorn the 18th green as players come to the finishing hole. The only way it could be worse would be to find yourself in the trap with so many eyes.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0119.jpgSeveral grandstands adorn the 18th green as players come to the finishing hole. The only way it could be worse would be to find yourself in the trap with so many eyes. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Although they couldn’t tell you what it stands for, the kids know web.com sits and plays well with others.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0122.jpgAlthough they couldn’t tell you what it stands for, the kids know web.com sits and plays well with others. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Blake Adams took this approach to 18 and stuck it within five feet of the pin, but despite shooting -5, did not make the cut.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0136.jpgBlake Adams took this approach to 18 and stuck it within five feet of the pin, but despite shooting -5, did not make the cut. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel