Sabbatini, Salesmanship Club big winners at the Nelson

The HP Byron Nelson Championship Golf Tournament, hosted by the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas, is not just an enchantment to the community, but its proceeds benefit the Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers.

The club nurtures children's futures and establishes new possibilities for success through its education and health treatment programs in the greater Dallas area. Its Youth Camp is located east of the Dallas Fort Worth area in Hawkins, Texas.

"This event brings together all of North Texas," Communications and Marketing Director Melinda Miller said. "So many people come together and if they didn't, we would not survive."

Every spring North Lake College plays a role in helping out by offering parking space.

Over the past 40 years, the championship has raised more than $107 million to help thousands of troubled and at-risk children and their families each year.

The Championship offers $6.5 million in prize money, which is one of the largest awards for a non-major PGA tour event. Texas native Rory Sabbatini, who shot a 261 to win this 2009 renowned tournament, received $1.17 million.

It has been a premier event on the PGA Tour since 1968. Dallas' biggest sports attraction and most anticipated social event of the spring is also the most financially successful charity event.

"The incredible support provided by the HP Byron Nelson Championship has enabled our programs to serve thousands of children and family members regardless of their income," said CEO Kent Skipper.

Phil Mickelson, a prominent golfer had suspended his PGA Tour schedule indefinitely after his wife, Amy, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He was due to defend his title the following week at the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth,

"We are deeply grateful to the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and the many companies and individuals that have made this tournament so successful," said Skipper.

"Thanks to this great annual event, we will continue to seek new effective approaches to help at-risk and troubled children."