The Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson is steadfastly dedicated to growing the game of golf for area youth and serving the community of greater St. Louis by supporting charities in North St. Louis County and beyond, including primary beneficiaries Marygrove, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. To that end, the tournament hosts a number of special events each year in support of these initiatives.
RSM Charity Challenge
The tournament’s newest charity fundraiser, the RSM Putting Challenge, featured 11 three-person teams participating in a putting match on the main putting green at Norwood Hills. The three-person teams consisted of a player from a local charity, a sponsor from a local business, and a PGA TOUR Champions or APGA player. The teams competed for a $10,000 grand prize, a $7,000 second-place prize, and a $3,000 third-place prize.
The participating charities in the 2022 RSM Putting Challenge were: Marygrove, Good Shepherd Children & Family Services, Hawthorn School, Ranken Jordan, Christian Family Services, Operation Food Search, Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis, St. Louis Counseling, Make A Wish, Little Bit Foundation, and Lafayette Industries.
Ascension Charity Classic Youth Clinic presented by Accenture
The 2022 Ascension Charity Classic Youth Clinic presented by Accenture provided a group of 100 young golfers the opportunity to come together, learn and develop golf skills, and receive tips from PGA TOUR Champions and APGA Tour players. Participating youth represented a number of local organizations, including Diversity Golf, First Tee of Greater St. Louis, PGA REACH Gateway, Youth on Course, and Special Olympics Missouri. Select young golfers were given the opportunity to compete in a Youth Challenge for a chance to win prizes.
Legends Luncheon presented by Centene & Missouri Division of Tourism
The Legends Luncheon presented by Centene & Missouri Division of Tourism showcases the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson’s philanthropic spirit with all proceeds benefiting charitable causes in St. Louis.
In 2022, Luncheon guests enjoyed a special conversation between two distinguished guests influential in the game of golf - Lee Trevino and Nancy Lopez - sharing stories from their playing days and answering questions from attendees.
Legends Charity Challenge presented by World Wide Technology
The Legends Charity Challenge presented by World Wide Technology is a 9-hole team scramble exhibition match to benefit charity.
The 2022 edition of the Legends Charity Challenge, one of the tournament's signature special events, featured a powerhouse group of competitors, including World Golf Hall of Famers Lee Trevino, Hale Irwin, and Nancy Lopez, along with St. Louis Cardinals Hall-of-Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup-winning head coach Craig Berube and Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly.
The second annual Legends Charity Challenge presented by World Wide Technology raised more than $60,000 for charity during the second round of this year’s Ascension Charity Classic. Ryan O’Reilly, Lee Trevino, and Hale Irwin playing for Team First Tee of Greater St. Louis raised $32,500 for their charity, Nancy Lopez, Craig Berube, and Ozzie Smith playing for PGA REACH GATEWAY raised $30,000.
