Gene Sarazen
Gene and Mary Sarazen Foundation
CHANGING
THE GAME of
LIFE

Just as Gene Sarazan changed the game of
golf, he and his wife Mary set out to change
the lives of others.

Gene Sarazen

Nothing ever came easy for Gene Sarazen; he just made it look that way. Born in 1902 to working-class parents in Harrison, N.Y., Gene left school in the sixth grade to go to work and provide extra income for his family. He was introduced to golf as a caddy, and eventually rose through the amateur and professional ranks to become one of the greatest players in the world, with 49 professional victories. But he never forgot his humble beginnings, and it was from those early experiences that he drew the inspiration to help others and give something back to the community.

Our Mission

To further the hopes and dreams of individuals and communities in need, the Gene and Mary Sarazen Foundation was established in Marco Island, Fla., in 1995 to support myriad charitable projects ranging from health care and education to family and sports programs.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible in the United States.

Funding opportunities are typically identified by the foundation and its supporters based on the three pillars of necessities, emergencies, and opportunities. While we welcome inquiries, we do not have a formal grant proposal process.

In addition to their love of golf, Gene and Mary Sarazen owned farms in New York and Connecticut. We are pleased to support a special initiative to help preserve such properties for generations to come. Read More

Areas of Support

Key programs supported by the Gene & Mary Sarazen Foundation include:

The Gene Sarazen/Professional Golf Management Endowed Scholarship

The Gene Sarazen/Professional Golf Management Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually at Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers, Fla. The scholarship recognizes the importance of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America’s sanctioned golf management academies by supporting students enrolled in the program at this prestigious university.

The Sarazen Urgent Care Center

The Sarazen Urgent Care Center on Marco Island, Fla., opened in 1985 and was the first major initiative supported by the Sarazen Foundation. Part of the Naples Community Hospital healthcare system, the facility offers treatment for all ages for injuries and acute medical problems, workers compensation cases, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

The Gene and Mary Sarazen Scholarship Fund

The Gene and Mary Sarazen Scholarship Fund provides an annual scholarship at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., where the Sarazen Student Union is named in Gene & Mary’s honor. The scholarship is given to a student who reflects high personal, athletic, and intellectual ideals. Consideration is given to candidates referred by individuals associated with the world of golf.

Foundation Proudly Recognizes

Visual History
Gene Sarazen Archives
Gene Sarazen Archives
Gene Sarazen Archives

Gene Sarazen Archives
Gene Sarazen Archives

Gene Sarazen Archives
Gene Sarazen Archives
Gene Sarazen Archives