In a move that has sent shockwaves through the golfing world, Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, has inked a staggering $45 million advertising contract with tech titan Mark Zuckerberg. The deal, announced in early 2025, is tied to the launch of the Cora Cares Initiative, a bold new campaign aimed at supporting disadvantaged children in the southern United States. This unprecedented partnership blends sports, technology, and philanthropy in a way that could redefine how athletes engage with social causes, and it’s already generating buzz across social media platforms like Facebook, where its heartfelt mission is likely to resonate with millions.
The announcement came as a surprise to many in the golf media, who are accustomed to seeing Scheffler dominate headlines for his on-course heroics. With four major titles, including the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, and over $45 million in prize money alone last year, Scheffler has solidified his status as golf’s preeminent star. Yet, this deal with Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms, marks a new chapter in his career—one that extends far beyond the fairways.
“I’ve always believed in using my platform to make a difference,” Scheffler said in a statement following the announcement. “When Mark approached me about the Cora Cares Initiative, I saw an opportunity to help kids who need it most. This isn’t just about golf or advertising—it’s about changing lives.”
The Cora Cares Initiative, named in honor of a cause close to Zuckerberg’s heart, focuses on providing educational resources, healthcare, and mentorship to underserved children in southern states like Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. While details about the initiative’s namesake remain private, insiders suggest it reflects a personal commitment from Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, to address systemic inequalities in regions often overlooked by large-scale philanthropy.
Zuckerberg, known for his strategic approach to both business and giving, described the partnership as a natural fit. “Scottie’s authenticity and dedication resonate with what we’re trying to achieve with Cora Cares,” he said in an exclusive interview. “He’s not just a champion on the course; he’s someone who understands the importance of giving back. We’re thrilled to have him as the face of this initiative.”
The $45 million deal is one of the largest advertising contracts ever secured by a golfer, rivaling the endorsement empires of legends like Tiger Woods. It positions Scheffler as the ambassador for Cora Cares, starring in a series of promotional campaigns across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These campaigns will highlight stories of children benefiting from the initiative, aiming to inspire a broader movement of support. The emotional storytelling, paired with Scheffler’s relatable persona, is tailor-made for Facebook’s algorithm, which prioritizes engaging, human-interest content that sparks shares and comments.
What makes this partnership particularly intriguing is its timing. Scheffler’s 2025 season has been nothing short of historic, with earnings exceeding $155 million in his career and a FedEx Cup victory that added $25 million to his bank account. Yet, despite his financial success, Scheffler has remained grounded, often speaking about his faith and family as his true priorities. His decision to align with Zuckerberg, a polarizing figure in tech, has raised eyebrows, but Scheffler’s sincerity seems to bridge the gap.
“I don’t get caught up in the numbers,” Scheffler said on the Pardon My Take podcast in 2024. “At the end of the day, I’m just playing golf, and the money is a gift on top of that. What matters is what I do with it.” This mindset likely appealed to Zuckerberg, who has faced scrutiny over his own wealth and influence but has consistently channeled resources into philanthropy through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI).
CZI, founded in 2015 with a pledge to donate 99% of Zuckerberg and Chan’s Meta shares—then valued at $45 billion—has been a major player in education and healthcare reform. However, the organization recently shifted its focus to science, scaling back on projects like The Primary School in East Palo Alto, which closed in 2025 due to funding challenges. The Cora Cares Initiative appears to mark a return to community-driven efforts, with a regional focus that could resonate deeply on platforms like Facebook, where local stories often gain traction.
The partnership also comes at a time when Zuckerberg is navigating a complex public image. Recent moves, such as Meta’s $1 million donation to a Trump-affiliated fund in 2024, suggest an effort to build bridges across political divides. By aligning with Scheffler, a universally admired figure known for his humility, Zuckerberg may be aiming to soften his image while amplifying Cora Cares’ reach. The initiative’s focus on children in the South, a region with deep cultural and economic complexities, adds a layer of authenticity that could counter skepticism about Zuckerberg’s motives.
For Scheffler, the deal is a chance to expand his influence beyond golf. His caddie, Ted Scott, who has been by his side through multiple major victories, praised Scheffler’s commitment to the cause. “Scottie’s the kind of guy who steps up when it matters,” Scott said after the 2025 PGA Championship. “He’s not just in it for himself—he’s thinking about the bigger picture.” This sentiment is likely to fuel the campaign’s narrative, with Meta’s promotional videos expected to showcase Scheffler mentoring young students and visiting community centers.
The Cora Cares Initiative is poised to make a tangible impact. Early plans include funding after-school programs, providing scholarships, and partnering with local organizations to address healthcare disparities. In Mississippi, for example, where nearly 20% of children live below the poverty line, the initiative aims to establish mobile health clinics and STEM workshops. These efforts align with CZI’s past successes, such as its $75 million donation to San Francisco General Hospital in 2015, which was renamed in honor of Zuckerberg and Chan.
Critics, however, have questioned whether the initiative is a genuine effort or a strategic move to boost Meta’s brand. Some point to CZI’s closure of The Primary School as evidence of inconsistent commitment. “It’s hard to trust when they pull funding from one project and pivot to another,” said Catherine Bracy, CEO of TechEquity, a group that received CZI grants in the past. Yet, the scale of Scheffler’s involvement and the $45 million investment suggest a long-term vision, with Meta’s platforms amplifying the initiative’s message to millions.
On Facebook, where community engagement drives visibility, the Cora Cares campaign is likely to thrive. Posts featuring Scheffler interacting with children or sharing success stories from the initiative are designed to spark emotional responses, encouraging users to like, share, and comment. The platform’s algorithm favors content that fosters connection, and a campaign centered on hope and opportunity fits the bill. Early teasers on Instagram, showing Scheffler visiting a school in Louisiana, have already garnered thousands of likes, hinting at the campaign’s potential to go viral.
As the Cora Cares Initiative rolls out, all eyes will be on Scheffler and Zuckerberg to deliver on their promises. For Scheffler, it’s a chance to cement his legacy not just as a golfer but as a force for good. For Zuckerberg, it’s an opportunity to redefine his philanthropic impact while leveraging Meta’s vast reach. Together, they’re betting that a shared vision—and a $45 million investment—can inspire a movement that changes lives, one child at a time.
