Pro golfer Kenny Perry, who is from Kentucky, recently made two commitments. First, he signed up to play in the Greenbrier Classic at the historic Greenbrier Resort July 28-Aug. 1. And secondly, he has committed to donating $2,000 for every birdie he makes in the tournament.

The money will go to the 29 families affected by the April mining disaster in West Virginia.

"Growing up in Kentucky as a neighbor to West Virginia, I feel a close connection to the area," Perry said. "Miners work so hard to provide for their families, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for what they do.

"I want to show that respect by dedicating my week at The Greenbrier Classic to the 29 men who lost their lives in April. The Greenbrier Classic will be a great event, and I'm hoping that others will join me to make it a special week for these families too."

Perry, who suffered a heartbreaking playoff loss in the 2009 Masters, already has support from Greenbrier owner James Justice, who has pledged to match Perry's donations.

Count Rick George, PGA Tour chief of operations, among those who isn't surprised by Perry's gesture.

"It is a wonderful example of what can happen when members of the PGA Tour family work together for a common purpose," he said.

The tournament will be played on the Old White Course, The Greenbrier's original of three golf courses. Measuring over 7,000 yards and playing to par 70, the Old White Course was originally designed by Charles Blair MacDonald in 1914 and was recently restored to its original design by Lester George.

World Golf Hall of Fame member Sam Snead, the winningest player in PGA Tour history, was the resort's pro for 29 years and served as golf professional emeritus from 1993 until his death in 2002. Tom Watson became The Greenbrier's second golf pro emeritus in 2005.

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