Title partner kickstarts annual fundraising for Alberta children’s charities with $1 million donation
CALGARY—Two World Golf Hall of Famers – Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie – will return to the Rogers Charity Classic in Calgary, August 11-17, 2025, while the title partner also announced a $1 million donation to kickstart the tournaments annual fundraising efforts to support children’s charities across Alberta.
The Big Easy will make his second-straight appearance at the award-winning tournament, while Colin Montgomerie will return to his favourite stop on the PGA TOUR Champions for an eighth time.
“I look forward to playing again in Calgary at the Rogers Charity Classic. It is a tournament known for its deep roots in the community, and tremendous power to influence children’s charities to make our communities a better place which closely aligns with my own goals,” said Els, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. “As a player, hearing this charitable focus is very powerful. This tournament is very respected by the players, so I am glad it fit my schedule again this year. I look forward to getting up there and supporting the effort.”
The former top-ranked player in the world has 79 professional victories to his name, including four major championships (2012, 2002 British Open and 1997, 1994 U.S. Open), two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles. Throughout his career, he has also triumphed at tournaments in South Africa, Europe, United States, Asia, Far East, Middle East, Australasia and will be looking to add Canada following his 54-hole spin at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club in August.
Els, a Presidents Cup Captain (2019) and Vice-Captain at the 2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal, teed it up eight times for the International Team throughout his career and holds the record for most matches won by an international player (20), and his record of 20-18-2 is third overall in matches won.
Colin Montgomerie followed Els into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013. Arguably the greatest Ryder Cup player ever, Montgomerie is a winner of 53 professional tournaments.
After a runner-up finish at the 2015 Rogers Charity Classic, the Scotsman was sixth in his second quest to secure a famed White Stetson at the 2016 event in the Stampede City.
“I enjoy all of the PGA TOUR Champions events, but Calgary is a special one. The course is absolutely perfect, and the tournament has had a tremendous impact on the community. It has been voted the number one TOUR event three times for a reason, and I have always said as long as I’m on this Tour, I’ll be participating in the Rogers Charity Classic,” said Montgomerie.
One of Europe’s greatest players ever, Montgomerie will be on a birdie-seeking mission in hopes of securing his eighth PGA TOUR Champions title. His first three of six victories on the senior swing were major wins, making him the first player since Jack Nicklaus to start his career on the Champions Tour with three major titles. His last triumph came in 2019.
Montgomerie captained the 2010 winning European Ryder Cup squad at Celtic Manor following an illustrious career on the European Tour. He held the reigns as Europe’s number one player in 1993 – a position he retained for an unprecedented run of seven straight years where he earned more prize money than any British golfer in history. He added one more European Order of Merit title before switching his focus to teeing it up on senior Tours on both sides of the pond
“This Tour is still so competitive. We are all friends, and I don’t have the pressure I used to have, but when the gun goes Friday morning, it is work, and we want to win – believe me,” added Montgomerie. “I came up a little short here a few years ago, but hoping to have a good week this summer. That’s why we’re here. As soon as that drive and ambition leaves us, I think it’s time to go back and walk the dogs at home.”
Equally remarkable is both Montgomerie and Els’ impact off the golf course, where they have transcended their sport with groundbreaking charitable endeavours – work that reflects the Rogers Charity Classic’s mission to make a tremendous impact on the more than 290 youth-based charities aiding areas that include counselling, sports, and family support through its Rogers Birdies or Kids presented by AltaLink program.
Els and his wife, Liezl, founded The Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, which has had a profound impact globally and has led to the opening of The Els Centre of Excellence, a world-class site hosting leading-edge programs and services for individuals with autism. He also founded The Ernie Els Foundation in South Africa in 1999, delivering educational assistance and golfing opportunities to young people predominantly from economically disadvantaged families.
Colin Montgomerie has been a longtime cancer care supporter through the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, which he created in memory of his mother. The foundation’s primary focus is funding Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres in Scotland.
“The Rogers Charity Classic remains committed to bringing many of the best names in golf to Canada, but also to making our community better which was reinforced today with Rogers’ generous $1 million donation to tee off our annual fundraising efforts,” said Sean Van Kesteren, executive director, Rogers Charity Classic. “Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie are two names that support this continued mission. These two players have legendary status in the game, are driven to make a positive impact on families who need support and understand the work we are trying to do in Alberta.”
Van Kesteren made the announcement at the Rogers Charity Classic Media Day where the tournament held its inaugural Media Cup – a Ryder Cup format where 24 members of the media were named to Team Els or Team Montgomerie where they competed head-to-head over 18 holes. The two teams were named as a nod to the two players’ Ryder Cup history and their commitment to play in Calgary.
A variety of ticketing options for the 2025 Rogers Charity Classic are available, including different packages for premier spectator and enhanced viewing and hosting experiences. Tickets are available for purchase at https://rogerscharityclassic.com/buytickets/.
About Rogers Charity Classic
Rogers Charity Classic hosts some of greatest names in golf at the Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alberta each year. The field consists of stars from the PGA TOUR Champions who compete for US $2.5 million in a three-round, 54-hole stroke-play tournament. Led by a philanthropic Patron Group along with title partner Rogers Communications, the annual PGA TOUR Champions stop in Canada showcases Calgary to the world through its broadcast on the Golf Channel. The Tournament has raised more than $130 million since inception and helps thousands of Alberta youth annually through support to youth-based charities. For more information, please visit rogerscharityclassic.com. Follow Rogers Charity Classic at facebook.com/rogerscharityclassic and on X, formerly Twitter.
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For more information:
Chris Dornan,
Rogers Charity Classic
E-mail: chris@rogerscharityclassic.com
T: 403-620-8731