Tour pro turns social media criticism of his play into a charitable win for St. Jude

Max Homa has quickly become a favorite social-media follow for golf fans, and his popularity was further bolstered by his first career victory at the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this year.

Unfortunately, his play at this week’s WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational has been less than stellar. Homa shot 74-73 on Thursday and Friday, and is ahead of only three players on the leaderboard heading into the third round. Homa received some flak for his performance from fantasy golf participants on Twitter, which prompted him to send a defensive tweet.

I can’t emphasize enough how little I care about messing up ur guys’ fantasy golf lineups

— max homa (@maxhoma23) July 25, 2019

While the Tweet was liked by nearly 5,000 users, many other users commented that fantasy golf is the only reason they tune in to the PGA Tour on Thursdays and Fridays. But just when it seemed that the discussion would go no further, Twitter user @blaunder suggested donating money to St. Jude for every birdie Homa makes.

Now this is awesome. I’m doing this too. I appreciate u! Let’s give it to @StJude Thanks! https://t.co/9dObmDCjpu

— max homa (@maxhoma23) July 26, 2019

The response was swift, with multiple users pledging their support.

Also in for $25 per bird.

$100 extra if he snags 3 in a row

— Justin Van Zuiden (@stlcardinals84) July 26, 2019

raise to $50.

— Matthew Wiley (@wiley77) July 26, 2019

I’m in for $10 a bird……fill ‘em up tomorrow!

— Kevin Phillips (@SoSorryBoutIt) July 26, 2019

I’ll chip in another $10/birdie.

— Brian Thompson (@BrianThompsonWx) July 26, 2019

I’m in for $25/birdie, $100 per eagle to @St. Jude

— David Erard (@david_erard) July 26, 2019

In for $25. Get low Max!

— AaronF’nW (@AaronFnW) July 26, 2019

Somehow this fantasy golf discussion has started something great. Some of u guys have decided to donate money to St Jude for every birdie I make tomorrow. I appreciate u guys! I challenge more of u to do the same. I made 1 whole birdie today so don’t be shy

— max homa (@maxhoma23) July 26, 2019

The additional motivation spurred Homa to make four birdies during Friday’s second round, which resulted in a big win for St. Jude. The best part? Homa still has two more rounds to play.

4 birdies today folks! More bogeys but hey at least we helped some kids. Appreciate everyone who already donated but for those who haven’t here’s a link! Doin this the rest of the week if ur up for it https://t.co/09eCUVLrR1

— max homa (@maxhoma23) July 26, 2019

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