Slocum helps Barclays highlight local charities

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PARAMUS, N.J. -- Health Slocum, winner of The Barclays in 2009, joined tournament officials, Paramus Mayor James Tedesco and participants in The Barclays TICKETS Fore CHARITY program at Paramus Golf Course to highlight the tournament's commitment to and impact on local charitable organizations. Also in attendance were children representing the Greater New York Chapter of Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Slocum, who suffers from ulcerative colitis, spent time with the kids on the Paramus Golf Course's putt-putt course.

The Barclays, the first event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, is August 24-29 at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J. During a press conference, The Barclays Executive Director Peter Mele gave an update on the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program, which includes 145 local charities so far this year. TICKETS Fore CHARITY is a unique fundraising initiative providing 501(c)(3) organizations with the opportunity to promote tournament tickets that will, in turn, benefit their organization. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from these ticket sales will go to charity: 75 percent to the charity promoting the tickets; and 25 percent to The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.

Last year, the first year of the program, almost $100,000 was generated for local charities, and the tournament has set a goal of $150,000 for 2010. Mele announced that the event is halfway to that goal with just about three months remaining until tournament week.

The Greater New York Chapter of Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is one of the TICKETS Fore CHARITY participants at The Barclays, and Mele announced an additional donation would be made in Slocum's name to the organization during tournament week. For every birdie Slocum makes at The Barclays, the tournament will donate $150 to the Greater New York Chapter of Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America in honor of the estimated 150,000 children in the United States who are affected by Crohn's and Colitis, some of whom were in attendance today.

"Winning The Barclays last year was certainly a career highlight, and seeing first-hand just how much the event gives back to the local community makes me even more proud to be defending champion," said Slocum. "I've done a lot of work with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation to help educate and find a cure for this debilitating disease, and I'd like to thank The Barclays for supporting those efforts through TICKETS Fore CHARITY and the added donation during tournament week. I hope all the golf fans in New York and New Jersey will come out and support these local charities and enjoy a great week at Ridgewood Country Club. I know I'm extra motivated to make a ton of birdies when I get here to defend my title."

Slocum's victory at The Barclays last year showcased the TOUR veteran's determination and ability to overcome. On a leaderboard that included former winner of The Barclays Steve Stricker, major championship winners Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and No. 1 player in the world, Tiger Woods, Slocum made a key putt for par on the 18th hole to win the first event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.

But overcoming adversity and showing determination is nothing new to Slocum. He battled early in his career with an undiagnosed case of ulcerative colitis. Sick for four months, sometimes Slocum could not even get out of bed. After more than a year and a proper diagnosis, Slocum got back into playing golf in 2000. He was the second player to earn an instant promotion from the Nationwide Tour to the PGA TOUR by winning three events in one season.

Following his victory at The Barclays, Slocum advanced to the season-ending TOUR Championship in Atlanta, where he now lives. It was there that he and his wife donated $40,000 out of their own pockets to three charities associated with THE TOUR Championship: the East Lake Foundation, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Crohn's Disease and Colitis Foundation.

The Barclays returns to Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., after a one-year visit to Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, N.J., in 2009.

Steve Stricker won The Barclays in 2007 during the first year of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Vijay Singh claimed The Barclays in 2008, outlasting Sergio Garcia in a playoff, while Heath Slocum edged four of the game's biggest names, Woods, Els, Steve Stricker and Padraig Harrington, to capture The Barclays by one stroke last year at Liberty National GC.

There are two ticket types available through TICKETS Fore CHARITY. The first is a weekly grounds ticket for $50, normally priced at $100. Be sure to take advantage of this highly discounted price which is only available through June 30. From July 1 through August 25, a $45 daily grounds ticket will be available and is valid for any competitive tournament round (Thursday-Sunday). To purchase tickets to The Barclays through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program please visit www.buytfc.com.