The second annual Patriot Golf Day, a nationwide campaign to support the families of military veterans who have been disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty, has produced donations to date of more than $1.7 million.
The campaign, which benefits the Folds of Honor Foundation, is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. During Patriot Golf Day, golfers added an extra dollar to their greens fee, and private facilities asked for donations. Patriot Golf Day took place over the Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, and received support from 3,800 golf facilities.
Patriot Golf Day was originated by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 pilot, PGA professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Okla., who this month returned from his third tour of duty in Iraq. The 2007 inaugural fundraising campaign produced funds of more than $1.1 million.
Rooney, who will receive the first PGA Patriot Award on Nov. 8 at The PGA of America's 92nd Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., served as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
"Once again, America has come together for Patriot Golf Day, a campaign that is a perfect match for those who love both our country and the game of golf," said PGA of America president Brian Whitcomb. "Both PGA professionals and amateur golfers responded with both innovative and inspiring fundraising efforts. The PGA of America is proud to be associated with this great cause and we anticipate that more Americans will step forward in the years to come."
PGA professionals throughout the country engaged their communities and respective club members to participate in innovative programs during Patriot Golf Day. Leading the fundraising for facilities was The Old North State Club of New London, N.C., which received $42,000 through donations, and a club tournament conducted Oct. 10, which featured the raffle of a donated four-bedroom condominium.
Old North State Club PGA director of golf Tom Ducey said the enthusiastic response was due to the efforts of amateur golf and eight-year club member, Johnny Hall, a co-owner/president of two local lumber companies.
"I am not looking for any praise," says Hall. "This is a tremendous fundraiser that all of us should embrace. People came together to make this a success and we look forward to next year's Patriot Golf Day."
In late 2007, Rooney developed the Folds of Honor Foundation to serve as a legacy foundation designed to provide scholarships for dependents and spouses of service members that have been killed or disabled as a result of their military service. While the Folds of Honor Foundation carries out other fundraising, Patriot Golf Day remains its primary fundraiser.
Donations to this year's Patriot Golf Day included $130,000 from Captain Paul Azinger and the 12 members of the victorious U.S. Ryder Cup Team.
Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association.
This past spring, the Folds of Honor Foundation awarded nearly 200 scholarships to aid students, most of them beginning classes in the fall semester. Participating facilities for Patriot Golf Day are listed on www.PlayGolfAmerica.com. Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor Foundation, and those applying for scholarships should visit www.foldsofhonor.org