DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf^® is putting its gently used golf equipment to good use. Today the company formally announced its partnership with Bunkers in Baghdad, a New York-based charitable organization that ships supplies to overseas troops seeking leisure-time entertainment and/or physical rehabilitation.  

In 2016, Topgolf donated 11,000 left- and right-handed golf clubs, 600 yards of turf squares and 21,000 golf balls to the charity. Topgolf will continue this equipment recycling initiative in 2017 as the company aims to open seven new venues this year.

"We are honored to partner with Bunkers in Baghdad to recycle our golf balls, clubs and turf and provide our military troops with a fun way to relax during their leisure time," said Topgolf Entertainment Group Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson. "We've received photos and notes from troops stationed all over the world using our equipment, and it's a privilege to share a small piece of Topgolf with these soldiers who are bravely serving our country."

Topgolf inspires people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition. With 31 venues entertaining 10.5 million Guests annually and the world's largest digital golf audience, Topgolf creates unforgettable, shared experiences through actively engaged associates and guests.

In addition to Bunkers in Baghdad, Topgolf is partnered with Folds of Honor to fundraise for educational scholarships for children and spouses of disabled or fallen service members. The company also offers a Heroes Discount to active-duty service members and veterans at all of its venues nationwide.

"The idea behind Bunkers in Baghdad is simple: we collect and ship golf equipment to our troops and vets around the world. Bunkers is busier than ever, and our partnership with Topgolf was really a blessing last year," said Joe Hanna, founder of Bunkers in Baghdad. "Our troops truly appreciate anything we send them – especially a little slice of home. The majority of feedback we hear from our soldiers is, 'Thank you for not forgetting about us.'"

About Bunkers in Baghdad
Bunkers in Baghdad is a not-for-profit charity that collects and sends new and used golf balls, clubs and equipment to US troops currently deployed in Afghanistan and 60 other countries around the world, as well as wounded warriors in all 50 US states. To date, Bunkers in Baghdad has shipped close to 8 million balls and more than 600,000 golf clubs to aid in recreation and rehabilitation from injuries. It also partners with 450 schools around the country through its Bunkers Buddies program, in which students write letters and send care packages to deployed troops, participate in fundraising activities, and organize equipment drives.

About Topgolf
Topgolf inspires the connections that bring people together for unforgettable good times. Whether it's a date night, girls' night, happy hour, work breakfast, lunch hour or any other kind of hour, Topgolf makes socializing a sport – literally. Through the premium experience of Play, Food and Music, Topgolf is inspiring people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition. Topgolf also brings interactive experiences to the community that facilitate shared moments and deep relationships through Topgolf U golf lessons, weekly leagues, The Topgolf Tour competition, KidZone parties, social and corporate team-building events, and the World Golf Tour (WGT) app. Each venue features high-tech, climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort, delicious food and beverage, live events, music, hundreds of HDTVs and outstanding hospitality. With 31 venues entertaining 10.5 million Guests annually and the world's largest digital golf audience, Topgolf is creating the best times of your life both in-venue and online. To learn more about Topgolf, follow @Topgolf or visit www.topgolf.com.

Media Contact:
Adrienne Chance
Director of Corporate Communications, Topgolf
Ph: (214) 501-5025
E-mail: press@topgolf.com

Joseph Hanna
President and Founder, Bunkers in Baghdad
Ph: (716) 566-5447
E-mail: joe@bunkersinbaghdad.com

SOURCE Topgolf