Almost 50 non-profit organisations have been given a share of a $646,000 windfall from the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Organisers ran a “Birdies for Charity” programme at the PGA Tour event where sponsors matched fundraising efforts made by participating Bermuda charities in the six months between July and November last year.

The cash was raised from the four-day tournament held for the third time at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton last October.

A tournament spokesman said: “The matching funds were made possible by the title and programme sponsors — Butterfield, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Digicel Business, Axa XL, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Island Construction, Somerset Re and BF&M.”

Island charities also benefited through the BF&M volunteer programme, which donated $200 to a charity of their choice on behalf of the people who gave up their spare time to help run the event.

Sean Sovacool, the executive director of the tournament, said: “The total funds raised are thanks to the generous support from our sponsors, volunteers, supporters and fans.”

He added: “Each PGA Tour event is committed to maximising charitable giving and having a positive impact on the local community.

“Since its debut in 2019, the tournament has raised over $1.1 million. We are grateful to Butterfield, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and all of our partners for sharing in our fundraising efforts and extending that support throughout Bermuda.”

Mr Sovacool said: “The amount of money that has been raised for Bermuda is a great example of how this event and our partnership with the PGA Tour is about more than just golf.”

Michael Collins, the chairman and chief executive of Butterfield Bank, added: “Butterfield has always supported initiatives and organisations working to foster social progress in the communities we call home and our employees regularly volunteer their time and efforts as well.

“The Birdies for Charity programme has increased the potential for charitable impact tremendously and, as a title sponsor until 2023, we look forward to doing more together.”

The 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship is scheduled to run from October 20 to 23.

Non-profit organisations are welcome to participate and any interested groups should contact the tournament.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can register an interest on the website and a notification will be sent when opportunities are available.

• For more information, visit www.butterfieldbdachampionship.com or the tournament’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts