Many golfers are wearing small green ribbons on their hats at this year’s Amgen Irish Open, and that has caught the attention of fans around the world. But this is not a fashion choice or a secret message between players. So, why are the players wearing green ribbons?
Golfers Show Their Support for a Special Cause
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a charity that grants wishes to children living with critical illnesses, and the green ribbons are part of a campaign to raise awareness and money. Since 2023, Make-A-Wish Foundation has been the official charity partner of the Irish Open. The tournament organizers and sponsor, Amgen, have joined forces to create a program that ties what happens on the golf course to real-world impact for children in need.
Amgen has pledged to donate €3 for every person who shows up to the tournament wearing green. On top of that, they will give €300 for every birdie or better scored by any golfer during the event. In golf, birdies are common but not guaranteed. By connecting performance to donations, every good shot becomes a small victory for a child waiting for a wish to come true.
11-Year-Old Leukaemia Warrior’s Wish Come True
The power of this partnership became clear through the story of 11-year-old Dáire, a boy who spent much of his young life battling acute myeloid leukaemia. Dáire, who is now in remission, had one special wish: to meet Shane Lowry, one of Ireland’s most beloved golfers. That wish came true this week at the K Club, and videos of Dáire smiling next to Lowry have captured the hearts of fans both at the course and online.
Lowry lauded the organization in his pre-tournament press conference and reiterated his support for the cause. “Obviously Make-A-Wish is a great organization and does a lot for kids,” he said. “Dáire has recovered from leukaemia and he’s out the other side, and he loves his golf. He told me his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, which is—oh, well, he’s probably mine as well. Yeah, Make-A-Wish is a great thing. We obviously are involved with them, and the Irish Open is involved with them every year, and what they do here is pretty cool. It was nice to be involved with that.”
Also Read: Rickie Fowler Explains Black Ribbon at 3M Open
This is not the first time golfers have worn ribbons to show their support for good causes. Players wore green ribbons during the third round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May to raise awareness of mental health and encourage open conversations around it. Both players and caddies wore yellow ribbons at the Memorial Tournament as part of the Play Yellow program, a campaign led by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus to help children receiving care at local hospitals. Players also wore yellow ribbons at the Tour Championship to honour Joel, the nephew of Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, who is recovering from an injury.
Main Photo Credit: © Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images
