It was an ace of day when Raising Cane’s helped swing into action an afternoon that championed golf for kids in the local community of St. Louis.
ONE LOVE® was in the air at Bellerive Country Club on Aug. 18 where PGA TOUR star and five-time winner Sam Burns teamed up with the cherished restaurant to surprise kids from First Tee and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis with lessons on the game. The gathering in the eyes of the youth there and parents was a holes-in-one as they got lessons from the pro followed by a special lunch from a Raising Cane’ food truck. Chicken Fingers and Cane’s Toast was enjoyed as equally as the shared tips and encouragement.
PGA Star Sam Burns (Courtesy Raising Cane’s)
“I’m excited to be here,” Burns reflected as he spoke about the importance of taking time to give back to the community even in the midst of a busy professional season for him. “I think that’s one of the things Cane’s does so well – serves so many communities across the nation.”
Just ahead of the 2026 BMW Championship that takes place starting on Aug. 20, the player expressed his gratitude to the families who came out for a day filled with quality time that focused on good food and good giving back to the community. It also was a reflective activation that celebrated Burns’ longtime friendship with Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves. With a history that dates back to the PGA star’s days playing golf at LSU, the Louisiana natives are today equally committed to youth, sports and taking time to truly honor the art of altruism.
PGA Star Sam Burns (Courtesy Raising Cane’s)
“He’s a true Caniac and a great role model for aspiring athletes and young golfers,” Graves stated. “I’m glad he was able to teach the kids from First Tee and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis how to golf today, and I’m proud to support Sam and all that he’s accomplished.”
The scrumptious smells of Craveable Chicken Finger Meals from the famous food truck lingered in the air as the kids joyfully practiced their swings and dug into their Cane’s-branded swag bags filled with golf gear and other giveaways. It made the special event even more delicious knowing it was all a game well-played in the name of caring about others.
Goodwill and golf were a perfect combo as youthful eyes sparkled with bliss in the glistening St. Louis summer. Everyone went home a winner, winner, chicken dinner at this grand sporting day. Even a PGA champ knew it was sweet lessons for life warmed up by the core memory addition of a craveable meal.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – AUGUST 18: Sam Burns serves food as Raising Cane’s and golfer Sam Burns host Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis for surprise golf lessons at the Highlands Driving Range on August 18, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images for Raising Cane’s)
“How do you not love Cane’s?! Right after I finished in Memphis, I stopped by Cane’s and grabbed Box Combos for the flight. It’s amazing and I love it – always fresh and always hot,” said Burns. “I’ve gotten to know Todd and we’ve become close. He’s made an impact on so many people and different communities and has a heart for serving people.”
Burns is set to compete at Bellerive Country Club in the 2026 BMW Championship. Currently ranked No. 11 in the Official World Golf Ranking and No. 8 in the FedExCup standings, Burns enters the week following a standout 2026 season that includes five top-10 finishes and a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. The winning vibes match Raising Cane’s which is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands on a global scale. Get ready for the secret sauce to go the distance internationally as it is set to debut in Mexico this year and open doors to the first UK restaurant in early 2027.
For more information, visit raisingcanes.com.
