Since its inception, what’s now called the AT&T Byron Nelson Golf Tournament has raised at least $143 million for charity—the most of any annual PGA tour event. This year the goal is to add to that total at least $6.5 million in net proceeds in support of Momentous Institute, a Dallas nonprofit serving needy children and their families with education and mental health programs.
Momentous is owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, which has hosted the Byron Nelson tourney since 1968 and will do so again this year from May 16-22 at the TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas in Las Colinas.
At a “media preview” event for the Byron Nelson on Tuesday, March 1, at TopGolf Dallas, 2016 tournament chair Tim Marron said the Salesmanship Club’s goal is to raise $14 million in sales for this year’s tourney, up from the $13.4 million that was raised last year. Marron and other club officials said this year will be AT&T’s second year as the Byron Nelson’s title sponsor, and that this year’s total purse will be $7.3 million. Of that, $1.31 million will go to the tournament champion.
Dallas phenom Jordan Spieth, 22, who was last year’s PGA Player of the Year, has committed to attending the Nelson, Marron announced. He also disclosed that Spieth may host the tournament’s free Youth Golf Clinic at the Four Seasons on May 17, and that Hudson Moore, the Limelight Band, and David Nail would provide entertainment in the Pavilion After Dark on May 20, 21, and 22, respectively. Other activities during the week-long extravaganza will include something called the KidZone (bounce houses and the like) Presented by Baylor Emergency Medical Centers, and the AT&T Digital Clubhouse, showcasing the telecom giant’s products and services, both from May 19-22.
Momentous Institute Executive Director Michelle Kinder said the organization is serving at least 6,000 children and family members annually. Last year, the Byron Nelson provided the institute with $5.6 million in net proceeds.
Also attending the media preview were other members of the Salesmanship Club’s fabled “Red Pants” brigade—longtime member Patton Chapman, for example, and the AT&T Byron Nelson chair-elect Tim Costello —as well as media members The Dallas Morning News’ Holly Haber and CBS Channel 11’s Robbie Owens.
* Photos provided by Momentous Institute