HyFlyers GC and Bunkers in Baghdad celebrate 16 million golf balls donated to U.S. troops around the globe

Fans who donate 12 golf balls to HyFlyers GC dropboxes at LIV Golf’s U.S. events will receive a free grounds pass for the day

Gainesville, Virginia – HyFlyers GC, led by six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, and Bunkers in Baghdad announced a major milestone in their partnership, established in 2024 as part of LIV Golf’s community impact initiative, “Potential, Unleashed.” Together, they have donated more than 16 million golf balls and 1.6 million golf clubs to U.S. troops stationed around the world. The cause holds personal significance for Mickelson, whose father was a fighter jet pilot, and who, along with his family, has a longstanding commitment to supporting military-related initiatives.

As part of the LIV Golf Virginia event and at all U.S.-based LIV Golf tournaments, the first 100 attendees each day (Friday through Sunday) who donate 12 new or gently used golf balls at the HyFlyers GC Drop Boxes, located outside the main entrance, will receive a complimentary grounds pass for that day.

In 2024, thanks to overwhelming support from fans, HyFlyers GC helped send more than 20,000 golf balls to U.S. service members overseas. This season, team captain Phil Mickelson and his teammates have turned every challenge into a chance to give back by pledging a donation for every bunker shot hit by a HyFlyers player during tournament play. So far, over $25,000 has been contributed through this initiative.

“We are forever grateful for the sacrifice that the men and women of our country have made to provide the freedoms we all take for granted,” said HyFlyers GC Captain Phil Mickelson. “The efforts of Bunkers in Baghdad are incredible and we are so grateful to be a part of a program that helps bring some enjoyment to our military with the game of golf.”

"Bunkers in Baghdad is a fantastic organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of our service members around the globe, as well as our wounded in recovery,” said retired Lieutenant Colonel Eric Harrison. “While in Iraq, my unit received clubs, balls, and turf. The unit created a driving range allowing soldiers to hit balls following patrols and blow off steam. Seeing the Bunkers' boxes arrive in the mail felt like receiving a little slice of home.”

In addition to the 16,000,000 golf balls and 1.5 million clubs donated to troops, Bunkers in Baghdad program, Bunker Buddies, has collected and sent over 2,250 heartfelt messages from children to active-duty military. The Bunkers program also sends golf equipment to injured veterans who are currently recovering in Wounded Warriors programs and other military installations and VA hospitals across the United States. They provide equipment to help with their rehabilitation and as a form of recreation.  To learn more about the many ways Bunkers in Baghdad supports our military, visit their official website.

Through partnering with Bunkers in Baghdad and Bunker Buddies, HyFlyers GC is focused on three areas of impact that are meaningful to the team: engaging with youth, sustainability efforts and honoring the military.