Nicklaus, Sorenstam set for UW fundraiser

Staff report

POLAND

Golfing legends Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam will be the guest speakers when the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley has its annual fundraiser on April 23 at The Lake Club.

During their careers, Nicklaus and Sorenstam combined for 207 victories and 28 major championships. They are considered to be two of golf’s most influential philanthropists.

“I grew up in Central Ohio, so I know a lot about Youngstown,” Nicklaus said. “The people of Youngstown are loyal supporters of the Memorial Tournament.”

Nicklaus was referring to the PGA Tour tournament held each spring at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, a suburb of Columbus.

“It was only recently that I learned about what the United Way is doing in Youngstown,” Nicklaus said. “So I am proud to be lending a hand with some fundraising to help them grow in what they do for the community.”

Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, credited the support of Lake Club owners Ed and Chris Muransky and retired PGA golfer Jerry McGee of East Palestine (Sorenstam’s father-in-law).

“Our director of golf, Jerry McGee, [was] a Ryder Cup teammate of Nicklaus, so obviously we owe him a great deal of gratitude for his part in making this dream a reality,” Muransky said.

To purchase corporate tables or individual tickets to the dinner, call the United Way at 330-746-8494 or register online at www.ymvunitedway.org.

“Our United Way has been very fortunate to have high profile people like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer support our events,” Hannon said. “We will continue this tradition with Jack Nicklaus and Annika.”

Nicklaus won 18 majors in his long PGA career. He’s one of only five golfers to win golf’s Grand Slam.

Sorenstam was a LPGA professional for 15 years. Her 89 victories included 10 majors. From 2003-05, she was named the Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year.

“I look forward to going back to The Lake Club, which is a special place for us as we celebrated both of our children’s baptisms there,” said Sorenstam who is married to Mike McGee.