The chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, hit home for famous golfer Annika Sorenstam.
Mike McGee is the son of four-time PGA Tour winner Jerry McGee and the husband of LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam. McGee grew up with his sister Michelle in East Palestine, Ohio.
A freight train carrying toxic chemicals left the small town on February 3, raising environmental and health concerns among residents.
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Annika Sorenstam hits the ninth green during the first round of the Gainbridge LPGA golf tournament Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Mike’s ties to the area run deep. His mother is from the area and she was a school teacher for 20 years. His father was a volunteer basketball coach. Jerry McGee died two years ago at the age of 77.
Although Mike and Annika no longer live in the area, they are still connected to the community. “My mum has friends she talks to and the world feels like it’s ending every day,” said Mike.
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As the community faces an uphill battle, Sorenstam and her husband are providing financial support. The couple created the campaign “Annika Fore East Palestine”.
According to Golf Week, the initiative is the result of a partnership with Youngstown Mahoning Valley United Way, The Way Station and businessman Ed Muransky, owner of The Muransky Companies.
Annika Sörenstam of Sweden tackles the driving range before the final round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Championship at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 22, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
“What has happened and is still happening in East Palestine is a tragedy that will make everyone’s heart ache,” Sorenstam said. “Mike’s connection to the region is bring this suffering to our doorstep. His first job was in high school at the Lake Club, and my father-in-law was the pro emeritus there after he retired from the Champions Tour.”
Mike is still shocked by what is happening to his town, which reported a population of less than 5,000 in the 2020 census.
“It’s terrible,” Mike said. “The big thing is the soil and the water treatment.”
Annika Sörenstam of Sweden plays her shot from the second tee during the final round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Championship at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 22, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The campaign will include a celebrity golf event in May at The Lake Club in Poland, Ohio, which is 15 minutes outside of East Palestine, Ohio.
“Mike and I wanted to do something to help his hometown in this time of need, and Ed was his first call. He is very philanthropic and ran with the idea, Sorenstam said.
“East Palestine is a close-knit community, and I enjoyed the many trips I made there over the years. We even had our two children baptized there, and we held our celebrations at the Lake Club later, so this fundraiser brings us full circle.”
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All money raised will be donated to the United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley fund in support of East Palestine.
