Singer-songwriter Darius Rucker spends a lot of time onstage crooning to crowds of captivated fans. But when the lights go down, chances are you will find him on the greens. Whether touring, headlining music festivals, recording a new album or taking a rare timeout to chill at his Charleston home, the three-time Grammy Award-winning artist’s penchant for daily rounds of golf is no secret. "Golf is my escape," says Rucker. "Golf is that time when I’m out there and it’s really me and nature. It’s me against the course. That’s my getaway." Woven into his storied love for the game is an equally strong commitment to giving back. Rucker has championed more than 200 charitable causes. This includes several initiatives through which his love for both the game of golf and his home state finds meaningful, humanitarian expression on the greens. "My mom was a huge influence on me and that’s probably why I try to give back as much as I do," he says.
Perfecting His Giving Game
Monday After the Masters (MAM)
Through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, established by Rucker and his bandmates to support their favorite causes, this charity celebrity pro-am is one of North Myrtle Beach’s most anticipated annual events. Since 1994, MAM has raised millions of dollars to support children’s educational initiatives and elevate the South Carolina Junior Golf Association into one of the nation’s premier programs.
Hootie at Bulls Bay
This invitational college tournament is held at Bulls Bay Golf Club in Awendaw, where Rucker once made history by landing the course’s first hole-in-one. Now a founding member, he is proud to invite the public to his home course each year for the Hootie at Bulls Bay event. Proceeds go to the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and support educational and golf programs that improve the lives of local children. "That’s what I love to do—I love to help kids get ahead," says Rucker. "A lot of times all they need is a little helping hand. That’s all I needed."
Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Golf Tournament
Rucker helped establish this three-day tournament, which made its debut at the legendary Long Cove Club on Hilton Head Island in 2012, to give women golfers at the collegiate level a turn in the spotlight. A decade later, the tournament made another debut, but this time on the Golf Channel—a first for an all-women’s regular season collegiate golf event. Proceeds go toward funding the tournament, which includes providing housing for the competing golfers.
