MONTVALE, N.J. -

With brand dealers bringing out their clubs in the name of charity, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Dealer Golf Championships begin this month. 

Now in its 19th year, officials highlighted the nationwide amateur-only golf program for men and women has raised more than $17 million to benefit charitable organizations across the United States.         

Each year, Mercedes-Benz dealers host tournaments in their local communities for golf enthusiasts and customers as part of the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Golf Championship. Organizers indicated the entry fees are donated to charities as part of the tournament activities.  

Last year, the OEM determined the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship consisted of 73 tournaments played by more than 5,100 participants that raised $1.7 million for charity.

The top three golf teams from two sectional tournaments will play the 2011 Championship Final at West Lake Country Club on April 3 during the same week as the Masters. Officials said these teams reached the finals having played in the 2011 Eastern Sectional Tournament at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina or the Western Sectional Tournament at the TPC Scottsdale located at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona.

The automaker pointed out the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Golf U.S. program is part of a globally supported group of international tournaments with more than 60,000 people participating per year from 34 countries.  

Beyond the Dealer Championships program, Mercedes-Benz insists that it’s a leading supporter of golf around the world. 

The Mercedes-Benz brand is international partner for the Masters and as Official Patron and Vehicle of the PGA of America is a supporter of the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and Proud Supporter of 2012 Ryder Cup.

Within the U.S., the nameplate is involved in several high-profile golf tournaments including the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Wells Fargo Championship, AT&T National, Northern Trust Open, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and Chevron World Challenge.

For more information, visit www.mbusa.com/sports.