Thousands of golf facilities nationwide will participate in the second annual Patriot Golf Day during Labor Day weekend Aug. 29 through Sept. 1.
Golfers across the country have the unique opportunity to donate a minimum of $1 to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation (FoldsofHonor.org), which provides educational scholarships to families of those who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty.
Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and USGA Member from Broken Arrow, Okla., created Patriot Golf Day in 2007. This nationwide event is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association.
Participating public facilities will request a minimum of $1 for each green fee that’s processed Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, while private facilities will accept donations.
Rooney will once again lead Patriot Golf Day in 2008 before he reports for his third tour of duty in Iraq as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard immediately following Labor Day weekend.
"We have a wonderful opportunity through golf to give back to those who have given everything while serving our great nation," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "Our PGA Professionals answered the call last year and supported one of their own [Dan Rooney] in his mission to help the families of those killed or disabled while defending our country, and I know we will have an even more successful event this year."
The inaugural Patriot Golf Day held last year on Sept. 1 resulted in donations of more than $1.1 million dollars to support the families of military service members who have been injured or perished in the line of duty. Contributions were received from more than 3,200 golf facilities and approximately 200 scholarships have already been awarded due to the efforts of PGA Professionals nationwide hosting 2007 Patriot Golf Day.
Patriot Golf Day is The PGA of America's second extension of the Department of Defense's "America Supports You" program, which is an ongoing nationwide effort to showcase and communicate America's support to the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. The PGA initially joined "America Supports You" in May 2007 with The PGA of America/Disabled Sports USA Military Golf Program.
Facilities participating in Patriot Golf Day are listed at www.PatriotGolfDay.com. Individuals interested in making a donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation and those applying for scholarships should visit www.FoldsofHonor.org.