In a sport that’s often defined by individual achievement, the charitable work of PGA TOUR professionals stands as a powerful counterbalance, demonstrating how golf’s biggest stars use their platforms to create meaningful change. Among these philanthropic efforts, the Horschel Family Foundation has quickly emerged as one of golf’s most impactful charitable organizations despite being relatively new to the scene.

Launched in October 2023 at the PGA TOUR’s Global Home, the Horschel Family Foundation represents the culmination of a long-held dream for Billy and Brittany Horschel. As Brittany eloquently states on the foundation’s website, “Billy and I find more joy in helping and watching others succeed than we do ourselves.” This sentiment forms the emotional core of their foundation, which focuses on four key pillars: healing, hope, honor, and health.

What makes the Horschel Family Foundation particularly compelling is the personal journey behind its creation. Brittany Horschel, who serves as founder and president, courageously shared her own story of overcoming substance abuse during the foundation’s launch. This May, she’ll celebrate nine years of sobriety – a milestone that infuses the foundation’s work with authentic purpose, especially in the areas of mental health and addiction recovery.

The foundation’s impact is already substantial. During THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, Billy Horschel presented a $30,000 check to K9s for Warriors, an organization that pairs specially trained rescue dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD and other trauma. The image of Horschel walking inside the ropes at TPC Sawgrass with Navy veteran Dan Clavel and his service dog Nola powerfully symbolizes the foundation’s commitment to honoring military service members.

Mental health support represents another crucial focus area. The foundation recently hosted a Mental Health Professionals Appreciation Day at THE PLAYERS, recognizing doctors, therapists, and the behind-the-scenes workers who support people on their recovery journeys. This holistic approach to mental health advocacy demonstrates the foundation’s thoughtful, comprehensive strategy.

The Horschels’ commitment to fighting hunger through their partnership with Feeding Northeast Florida further showcases their community-minded approach. Billy’s #DriveOutHunger campaign, which donates $1,000 for every birdie and $5,000 for each eagle during THE PLAYERS, exemplifies how professional golfers can leverage their athletic performance to drive social change.

What’s particularly noteworthy about the Horschel Family Foundation is its emphasis on “impact giving”—strategic philanthropy designed to make a genuine difference. Executive Director Brad Nelson, Brittany’s brother, emphasizes this approach. One example is the foundation’s $100,000 commitment over four years to the Betty Griffin Center, which supports victims of domestic and sexual assault.

The golf world has taken notice of these efforts. Billy will receive the Golf Writers Association of America’s Charlie Bartlett Award for contributions to society – joining legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods. The couple also received the 2025 Deane Beman Award from the Jacksonville Golf Association.

In a world often focused on tournament results and FedExCup standings, the charitable work of golf professionals like the Horschels reminds us of the sport’s higher purpose. Their foundation exemplifies how golf’s platform can be leveraged to address critical societal challenges – from veteran support to mental health awareness to food insecurity.

The Horschel Family Foundation may be young, but its thoughtful approach and personal connection to its mission areas position it to create lasting change. For fans of the game, it’s a powerful reminder that golf’s greatest impact often happens far from the 18th green, in the communities and lives touched by the sport’s biggest stars.

Golf Gratitude: Your weekly dose of good vibes from the golf world is my new weekly look at the feel-good stories happening in golf. Why? Because we all need a little dose of good vibes occasionally.

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