THE SPIRIT
The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship was founded by Corbin Robertson, Jr., owner of the competition’s venue, Whispering Pines Golf Club in Texas. Benefitting The Spirit Golf Association, which promotes amateur golf for philanthropic purposes, the tournament is now in its 10th year and, like the Palmer Cup, features an alumni list of players who have gone on to win numerous professional titles on tours around the world. Each participating country team must be comprised of two amateur women and two amateur men players, and it’s encouraged that player selection is based on National Championship results. In 2019, Sam Saunders and Stacy Lewis served as ambassadors, and notable alums include Lorena Ochoa; Francesco Molinari; Jason Day; Martin Kaymer; Paula Creamer and numerous others, who were in college when they participated. As Robertson has said about the event, “There is nothing more memorable than bringing people together in the name of golf and in the spirit of serving others. It’s a magical experience.” Thespiritgolf.com