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Alex Elias  Upon graduating from the University of North Carolina in 2019, Ben Griffin joined the PGA Tour Canada, and quickly thereafter earned Korn Ferry Tour status for the next season. Less than two years later, Griffin decided to walk away from the game citing financial reasons. If it hadn't been for Doug Sieg, the managing partner of Jersey City-based investment firm Lord Abbett offering to back him financially, Griffin may have never had the opportunity to reach the PGA Tour. While the outcome of Griffin's story is certainly a positive one, Griffin's prior decision to walk away from his dream servers as a stark reminder that for many the journey to the PGA Tour is a long and expensive one.
Donnie Dotson, motivated by his desire to solve that problem, founded Carry in 2021. "There are many players who have the game that ultimately have to walk away from it early because they can't afford it." Subsequently, as for the players in the midst of the grind, Dotson said, "Countless are saddled with credit card debt and don't know how they're going to pay next month's rent or afford a course to practice at." As Carry "raises capital from 'Fan Investors' for early-stage pro golfers who need funding to best pursue careers on the top tours," it is paramount to Dotson that his investors are "fans first." "You have to love the game of golf first and foremost. If you don't, then you're going to be disappointed. Even if it's financially lucrative, you still won't get the most value out of it. You have to be the kind of person who gets excited following leaderboards on lower tours and wants to see a young player succeed," said Dotson. As "Fan Investors" provide financial security, Dotson said, "With financial freedom, players can be more aggressive. If they have a tough week or miss a cut, it isn't the end of their season or career. There are many players who are living week-to-week and have to make the cut to afford to travel to the next tournament." To Dotson and the players though, "Fan Investors" provide more than just financial security. "In speaking with players, it's nice for them to know they have some financial security, but it's really nice for them to know that they have someone supporting them win, lose, or draw," said Dotson. Speaking on the importance of not only financial security, but a support system, Dotson said, "To me, the biggest difference between a player playing well or not is confidence. Confidence can come from a variety of areas, including knowing you have the finances to compete or knowing you have someone celebrating your wins and there for you when you’re struggling."
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