Image courtesy of Cook Children's
The green stretches out before Tom Hoge, each hole an opportunity not just to showcase his talent, but to make a difference in the lives of families in his hometown of Fort Worth. The PGA TOUR golfer is stepping up for Cook Children’s, the pediatric healthcare system that holds a special place in his heart. Hoge’s new initiative, “Birdies for Basic Needs,” is simple, yet powerful: for every birdie he makes during the 2025 season, he’ll donate $50 to Cook Children’s. And for every eagle, he’ll contribute $100.
To understand the significance of Hoge’s pledge, it’s essential to know what a birdie represents. On the golf course, it’s the sweet sound of hitting one-under-par—finishing a hole in one stroke less than expected. During the 2024 season, Hoge led the entire tour with a total of 314 birdies. That’s a lot of chances to give back, and Hoge is taking full advantage of it. His “Birdies for Basic Needs” campaign will directly benefit the Case Management department at Cook Children’s, according to a release.
The Case Management team is the unsung hero that keeps families afloat when their world feels like it’s falling apart. When a child faces an unexpected medical crisis, the emotional toll is heavy — but so is the financial strain. Time away from work, mounting bills, and the emotional strain of having a sick child can leave families in a precarious position. That’s where Cook Children’s steps in, providing support for families to meet their most basic needs, from meals to housing, so they can focus on what truly matters: their child’s healing.
Hoge knows this better than most. He’s witnessed firsthand how Cook Children’s supports the community and families in their darkest moments. In 2022, he and his wife, Kelly, made a transformational donation to Cook Children’s Case Management team — the largest single donation of its kind. And last year, they made it formal, with Cook Children’s becoming an official partner of the golfer.
Hoge’s connection with the hospital and its mission runs deep, and it’s clear that this partnership is more than just charity.
“Beginning the formal partnership with Cook Children’s last year was really exciting,” says Hoge. “We always wanted to work on a campaign to help drive donations to their important mission. After sitting with the team, we created the Birdies for Basic Needs campaign, where I’ll be supporting the Case Management department of Cook Children’s. I hope you’ll join me in participating in the campaign and following along this season. Together with Cook Children’s, we can give children and their families the support they need during hard times.”
For the 2025 PGA TOUR season, Hoge is calling on others — golfers, businesses, and anyone with a heart for helping families in need — to join him in supporting this vital cause. The campaign is an invitation to be a part of something bigger than just golf. It’s about making a lasting impact in the lives of families who need it most.
To learn more about how you can contribute to the “Birdies for Basic Needs” campaign and follow Hoge’s journey throughout the season, click here.
