McLachlin giving back during West Coast swing

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ATLANTA -- Parker McLachlin has created a unique charity program for the West Coast swing of the PGA TOUR in 2009 called "Birdies for Juniors."

McLachlin

Benefitting the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association (HSJGA), McLachlin will donate $50 for each birdie he makes during his first six events on the west coast. That donation will also be matched by his longtime sponsor, Waikoloa Beach Resort. Fans or organizations wishing to join McLachlin and Waikoloa Beach Resort in supporting the HSJGA may visit www.HSJGA.org to pledge donations for each birdie McLachlin makes during this time period. Those wishing to join may pledge any monetary amount.

"I am so grateful for the opportunities I had as a young golfer, and I want to assist in helping others do the same," said McLachlin. "I am lucky to have a tremendous amount of fan support on the West Coast, and it will be fun for all the birdie cheers to mean more than just a number on the scorecard."

McLachlin, a Hawaii native and winner of the 2008 Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, enters the 2009 season with a mission to ensure that more young golfers in Hawaii are given the best resources and opportunities possible to succeed on the golf course. The funds raised for the HSJGA through "Birdies for Juniors" will go toward purchasing clubs, equipment and travel to tournaments for children in the HSJGA.

"It's so fulfilling to see one of Hawaii's very own juniors succeed and then turn around to give back to programs that made a difference in his life," said Mary Bea Porter-King, co-founder and president of the HSJGA. "I am so proud of Parker and his accomplishments on and off the course."

McLachlin will begin the campaign this Thursday, Jan. 8, as he tees off at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Maui. The remainder of McLachlin's "West Coast Swing" will include the Sony Open (Honolulu, Hawaii), FBR Open (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Buick Invitational (San Diego, Calif.), AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (Pebble Beach, Calif.) and Northern Trust Open (Pacific Palisades, Calif.).