Tiger Woods announced Thursday the formation of the One Bahamas Fund, which Woods will use as a vehicle to raise $6 million for relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian struck the island starting Sept. 1.
In a statement, Woods said the fund's partners will match contributions dollar-for-dollar on the first $6 million, seeking to raise at least $12 million for the island-chain nation. Woods is partnering with Justin Timberlake, Nexus Luxury and Royal Bank of Canada, as well other members of the Albany community in the Bahamas, on the fund and matching.
"We've established the One Bahamas Fund with a challenge gift of $6 million, matching dollar for dollar the next $6 million raised," Woods said in a statement. "Help us turn this first $6 million into $12 million, and join our efforts to restore and rebuild the Bahamas."
The hurricane directly hit several islands in the chain, including Abaco and Great Bahama Island. The Korn Ferry Tour has two events in the Bahamas to start their season, and the status of those events remains in question after winds topping 225 mph hit the nation. More than 75 percent of the land mass of several islands was underwater as a result of the Dorian-caused storm surge, decimating neighborhoods and entire towns. The Bahamian government's current death tally is 50. However, another 2,500 people are reported missing, and 70,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
Members of The Abaco Club on Abaco, including major winner Darren Clarke, have put forward a fundraising campaign to raise $3,000,000 for relief efforts. To date, they've raised nearly $1.5 million.
Dorian is expected to cause an estimated $7 billion in damage, and that estimate may rise.
Golf Digest reported Thursday Woods plans on still holding the annual Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Club starting Nov. 29. The 18-player elite field will compete on the Ernie Els-designed club, with the tournament finishing on Saturday so Woods and other Presidents Cup competitors can fly to Australia in time for the event at Royal Melbourne.
