PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Day one of the Honda Classic is in the books.
While the attention might be on the course, there is momentum building for the final putt to drop. The fun and golf action continues through Sunday.
This tournament, now in its 13th year at PGA National, has grown immensely to almost a quarter million spectators.
SPECIAL SECTION: More coverage of the Honda Classic
That number spills into the Honda Classic Cares, the charity umbrella of the Honda Classic, which supports dozens of non profits.
This week, WPTV visited a school where the impact of that money is turning into a green.
At Allamanda Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens, reading and writing are common inside the classroom. Outside, there's a different set of skills tested.
"It doesn't get much better than this," said Debra Feinsinger, a 34-year veteran teacher.
She said she never imagined her health and wellness school would come complete with a putting green and zen zone.
"With the help of the Honda Classic Cares, we were able to make our dream come true," Feinsingersaid.
More than 100 charities and non-profits benefit from millions of dollars poured into the tournament every year.
For Allamanda Elementary, this is a direct result of that money. Each day, little ones are sharpening their skills beyond just sinking a putt.
"They learn about honestly, integrity, patience. They learn a lot of things outside the classroom," said Feinsinger.
There's no better instruction than hands on learning and on this campus, the winner is the Honda Classic for making this a reality.
Allamanda Elementary started with a running track and now they have the green and zen zone. Their next projects like pickle ball and tennis courts will be built by spring break.
The Honda Classic set a record in 2018 with $4.55 million to South Florida children's charities. That was the 12th consecutive year the PGA Tour event has been able to increase its impact on the lives of local children and their families.
