In 2002 Rooney’s Public house on Clematis, Rooney's Public House in Abacoa, O’Shea’s, and Patty Mac’s got together for a friendly game of golf at the Abacoa Golf Club. With a gentleman’s agreement of losers donating to a charity of the winner’s choice the annual tournament began to take shape. What started as four local Irish pubs and a few foursomes playing for bragging rights (and a trophy) has grown to hundreds of people wanting to play in this intimate tournament, indulge in dinner fit for royalty with an Irish flair, try to win amazing prizes, and partake in plenty of stories and laughs – usually at my expense. In 2006 the Rooney’s Golf Foundation was incorporated and the 501(c)(3) formed. Today, the annual tournament is now played at Old Marsh and the foundation has grown to include 5k Run/Walk's and special guest speaker luncheons. Over the years the foundation has given over $1,363,026.37 to local Palm Beach County charities such as Autism Project of Palm Beach County, FAU Honors College, Pathways to Independence, Potentia Academy, Gold Coast Down Syndrome, Westgate CRA, WVRF, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, and many more.
