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Chargers 6th Annual Golf Invitational Supports LA Wildfire Recovery Fund

Chargers players, coaches and alumni hit the links earlier this week to help support wildfire recovery efforts

GolfInvitational

The Chargers got in some competitive fun for a good cause earlier this week.

The team hosted its sixth annual Los Angeles Chargers Invitational, presented by Yaamava' Resort & Casino on Monday.

The event, which benefits the Chargers Impact Fund, was held at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, Californa.

"We love this event every year," said Heather Birdsall, the Chargers Vice President of Community Relations. "We love getting the whole organization out to support a good cause and also have some fun on the links."

Birdsall added: "I think it's something people really look forward to. Now they know what to expect, they're excited for it every year. It's a lot of fun."

And this year's tournament in particular went towards a special cause.

The Chargers Impact Fund has been focused towards providing a long-term path to recovery for the communities most impacted by the devastating wildfires earlier in the year, particularly in Altadena and the Palisades, with their Rally for LA: Wildfire Recovery Fund.

This golf tournament was another way to support it, as what they fundraised went towards helping the community football programs and the school's resources of those affected.

"[The event] is very important because we are raising money for a special cause, which is the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund," Chargers Impact Fund Special Advisor Adriana Cox said. "Our program is called Rally for LA, and we will be focusing on providing resources for youth football programs and schools that were affected by wildfires in the Palisades and Altadena."

From current players to Chargers Pro Football Hall of Famers and other participants, everyone gathered for another year of competitive fun.

This year's event included Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, General Manager Joe Hortiz, wide receiver Ladd McConkey and kicker Cameron Dicker to name a few to go along with the legends like Hall of Famers Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner and many more.

"Everybody loves playing golf, so it's something that can bring us all together to support a good cause," Dicker said. "It's fun to be here and help support the Chargers Impact Fund however we can."

Josh Harris added: "Love getting out here with guys on the team, people in the community, playing golf for a good cause."

It was the second year the tournament followed a format Harbaugh introduced last season.

There was a team scramble portion in first 13 holes, where groups of five played the best ball and the team with the best score won. But after hole No. 13, it broke into an individual competition.

On the 14th hole, a player advanced if they shot a double bogey or better. Golfers then needed a bogey or better on the 15th hole while the requirement to advance past the 16th hole was at least par. The same was true on hole No. 17, with the 18th hole serving as the final round.

"I think Harbaugh's switch really added a unique element to it that it was a team play, so you won as a team," Birdsall said. "But there was also this kind of shootout round on the last couple of holes and that added this fun element where people could watch.

"It added this element of competition to things that made it a lot more fun," Birdsall added.

The event has become a staple over the years, as it once again brought everyone out together for a good cause.

"No. 1, it's a chance to see people and old friends with the Chargers," Fouts said. "And also to get involved with the community and to give back.

"As a player, for so many years, you get a lot of good things happen to you," Fouts added. "But you've got to give it back and level it out."

Not to mention, it's also something that continues to grow with each passing year and makes a major impact on the community.

"It's really cool to be able to attach something that can bring people together that's a fun sport for somebody to play, but also attach a good cause to it," Dicker said. "It's a fun way to do things like this. It's cool to be out here and learn more about the Impact Fund for people who don't know about it and just enjoy our time with each other and grow with each other."

Harris added: "The amount of people that are out here has grown each and every year and the impact we're having on the community in turn has grown each and every year."

The annual event continues to bring everyone together and helps connect and give back to the city of Los Angeles, especially during the trying times.

"This is really a special day," Cox said. "Everybody comes together, football operations to our foundation and business operations. It's just a joint effort to show our fans, our neighbors, our communities that we are there to uplift and support them."

Cox later added: "This is our first time at Monarch Beach and we're so thankful for Yaamava' for hosting us here."

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