By the numbers: the 2025 Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences

The Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences, a PGA TOUR Champions event, has always been about more than golf. It’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the fight against colorectal cancer (CRC). Held in Tucson, Arizona, it unites pro golfers, cancer advocates, survivors, and many others with the purpose of raising awareness of colon cancer, highlighting available screening options, and recognizing those affected by the disease.

Take a look back at the 2025 Cologuard Classic impact by the numbers.

350+ colon cancer survivors, patients, and loved ones in attendance from 36 states and 2 countries

The sense of community created beyond the course is remarkable. Since the first Cologuard Classic tournament in 2018, it has become a sought-after destination for those whose lives have been changed by colorectal cancer. Survivors, patients, and loved ones gather for the week to share stories, raise awareness, and honor those who have been impacted by this disease.

One of the most special moments among this group was the Night of Champions event, a night dedicated to the CRC community. Award-winning journalist and CRC advocate Katie Couric welcomed attendees and kicked off the evening. The event was dedicated to honoring those facing CRC, with two special awards presented to Kim Salls and Jason Randall for their outstanding advocacy work.

“I was excited to hear I had been nominated for the Jerry Kelly award early this year, what a huge honor,” said Jason Randall. “I was even more excited when they called my name to receive it at Night of Champions for all the work I've done since my diagnosis nearly 7 years ago! Wow! I am truly humbled to have received the 3rd annual award, following in the footsteps of some truly amazing people and advocates.”

12 survivors guaranteed a trip to the 2025 tournament

For some CRC survivors, their travel to Tucson is made possible by grants from Exact Sciences and generous donations from the community.

Donations through the Sponsor a Survivor program go to participating CRC advocacy groups to help identify people who might otherwise not be able to attend. Thanks to these contributions, the number of survivors at the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences can continue to grow each year. The Sponsor a Survivor program helped fund travel for 12 survivors and patients to attend the 2025 Cologuard Classic. Following this year’s tournament, donations from community members have already guaranteed a trip to the 2026 tournament for three additional survivors.

“When I initially found out that I was selected to be a part of the Sponsor a Survivor Program this year, I was overwhelmed with excitement. This program afforded me an opportunity that otherwise, I may have not been able to give myself,” said Marielle McLeod. “This opportunity provided an experience of ‘one more’ for so many of us. One more time to share our story. One more time to provide hope to a patient that is stepping into survivorship with no idea as to what is next. One more day where our mortality took a back seat. One more day where all of us got to enjoy living. The people that I met, their stories, and this experience will stay with me forever.”

New this year, the pros helped raise money to cover survivors’ travel to next year’s tournament.  For the birdies made on the 15th hole, $50,000 from tournament proceeds were donated to send 34 survivors and patients to Tucson in 2026.

$16,000 raised for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

The Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences tournament has always been about giving back, especially in the Southern Arizona community. For the second year, Exact Sciences joined forces with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to help local families fight food insecurity by making the tournament accessible to golf fans of any income level.

Any community member who made a $5 or more donation to the food bank received a complimentary general admission ticket to the Cologuard Classic by Exact Sciences on Saturday.  In addition, non-perishable food items and monetary donations were accepted at the tournament’s main entrance. Fans helped raise over $6,000 for the food bank, and Exact Sciences donated an additional $10,000 to the program.

78 pros playing in honor of 78 CRC honorees

For the 5th straight year, all PGA TOUR Champions players in the tournament wore blue ribbons and competed on behalf of a CRC patient, survivor, or in the memory of someone lost to this disease. 62 of the CRC honorees traveled to the tournament and had the chance to meet their pro in person.

Professional golfer Jerry Kelly wore two ribbons this year in honor of his two close friends who passed from colon cancer, Mike Mancini and Rob Andringa. Esteemed golf reporter Steve DiMeglio, who recently passed away from this disease, was also recognized and paired with pro Stewart Cink.

Learn more about Pairings With a Pro from last year's tournament.

2 Barstool Sports players

On Wednesday, the Barstool Fore Play crew surprised Markham Rollins, a lead software engineer at Barstool, with a nine-hole competition against three PGA TOUR Champions players: Jerry Kelly, Padraig Harrington, and Stewart Cink. Markham was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2023 at the age of 38. He is currently undergoing treatment while continuing to work full time at Barstool.

24 players in the Pro-Am event

Ahead of tournament play, select attendees have the opportunity to tee off alongside a PGA TOUR Champions player in the Pro-Am event.

Bill, a Pro-Am participant who is battling stage IV colon cancer, even had a special guest on Thursday. His daughter, Rylie, surprised him at the event to support her dad and cheer him on. “I’m ecstatic that she made it down here,” Bill said. “And I actually played better. It’s been a great day.”

The PGA TOUR is the only major sport that allows an amateur golfer to participate alongside a professional.