A fund-raising campaign for wounded American soldiers and their families that began two years ago at a golf course in suburban Mendata Heights has grown to at least 110 courses in 33 states.
On Sept. 7, the Friday before 9/11, Mendakota Country Club (CC) and other golf facilities will host Tee It Up for the Troops tournaments, while more than 100 others will raise donations in other ways for the campaign. The goal since 2005 has been to make the Friday prior to Sept. 11 a National Day of Golf in support of all who serve. Any golfer and any course can participate.
“We have asked golfers to contribute 10 percent above their green fees,” said “J.B.” Ball of Savage, who started Tee It Up for the Troops at Mendakota CC. “Out motto: ‘One day, 10 percent, change a life.’
“It’s phenomenal how this effort has ballooned in just two years,” he added. “The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) has joined us again, making Tee It Up for the Troops its designated charity since 2005, and a number of clubs around the country are holding events or accepting contributions, and simply sending in the donations.”
In Minnesota alone, Tee It Up for the Troops has grown to 10 events andmore than 20 golf courses.
In its first year, Mendakota CC and Tee It Up for the Troops raised $80,000 and dispersed it in the form of 26 scholarships around the country to the fallen and disabled, and their immediate families.
In the second year, seven golf courses across the country (one in Okinawa) held tournaments, and some 50 courses from Florida to California donated to a silent auction or in other ways. A $100,000 check was given to the Wounded Warrior Project, while other funds helped disabled veterans camps and golf carts were donated so that wounded vets could get from their cars to camp sites or boats.
This year, Ball anticipates generating more than $1 million, with proceeds divided between the Wounded Warrior Project, which assists the wounded on their steps to recovery; Fisher House, which provides housing for the families of hospitalized soldiers; and some of the approximate 250 America Supports You organizations.
“We already have commitments in excess of $500,000,” said Ball, whose son Tyler fought in the Army in Iraq. When he asked his son what he needed, Tyler responded, “I’m fine. Do something for the soldiers and their families back home.”
Tee It Up for the Troops was created to honor that request.
“We’ll do over $140,000 here locally. Two courses in California will both make $100,000 or more. On Oct. 12 there is a huge event at Lake of the Ozarks – Four Seasons Resort, where owner Peter Brown will have all three courses running events. It is a simple way for all of us to say ‘Thank you’ to those who serve. Make a tee time, golf, donate,” Ball said.
CMAA Executive Vice President Jim Singerling said the association is supporting Tee it Up for the Troops “to honor the commitment of those people who are out there representing the Armed Forces of the United States. No matter your political feelings, the troops deserve our support. And this is a way for the game of golf to also show its support. Every community has someone involved to some degree.”
Bridgestone Golf has become another major contributor to the effort, donating more than 25,000 golf balls for the golf events in the first two years, Ball said. The company has also contributed golf clubs which have been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, where the Army has set up driving ranges for the troops to relax from the danger and tension of the war.
Ball said an effort will be made to keep money raised in Idaho, or Florida, or Virginia within those states. “We want people to know what they raise will stay in their own backyard. We want them to have an impact in their own area,” he said.
Ball said a number of celebrities have joined the cause. Each year, President George H.W. Bush has taped a welcoming video for all the event sites. In Minneapolis alone, Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Paul Molitor, Minnesota North Stars great Lou Nanne; best-selling author Vince Flynn; golf artist Loyal H. “Bud” Chapman; college football Hall-of-Famer Jeff Siemon; Minnesota Vikings great offensive lineman Randall McDaniel; and others are participating.
“But the real celebrities,” said Ball, “are the troops, and those from Walter Reed Army Medical Center who are flown in to play with us for the event. We will have three double-amputees playing this year in Minnesota. They are the true celebrities.”
The National Day of Golf will be on Sept. 5 in 2008 and Sept. 11 in 2009.
Tee It Up by state
Alabama
Coosa Pines in Childersburg
Alaska
North Star GC in Fairbanks
Arizona
Pueblo del Sol CC in Sierra Vista
Skyline CC in Tucson
California
Rancho Santa Fe GC
Golf Club of California in Fallbrook
Alta Vista GC in Placentia
Birnam Wood GC in Santa Barbra
Golf Etc. in Fairfield
Indian Valley GC in Novato
Cordoa GC in Sacramento
Brookside CC in Stockton
Rancho Bernardo in San Diego
City of Los Angeles
Sierra View CC in Roseville
Connecticut
Wallingford CC
Florida
IBIS GC in West Palm Beach
Wildwood GC in Crawfordville
Summer Glen GC in Ocala
The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens
Georgia
Landings GC
Idaho
Central Links Golf ion Grace
Lava Hot Springs GC
Illinois
Broken Arrow GC in Lockport
Arrowhead GC in Wheaton
Indiana
Eagle Point CC or Cascades GC
Kansas
Overland Park GC
Auburn Hills GC in Wichita
Kentucky
Hunting Creek CC in Prospect
The Golf Complex in Paducah
Massachusetts
Oak Hill CC in Fitchburg
Michigan
Edgewood GC in Township
Selfridge GCV
Tanglewood GC in South Lyon
Timber Wolf GC in Kalkaska
Minnesota
Mendakota CC in Mendata Heights
Willow Creek GC in Rochester
Oak March CC in Oakdale
The Jewel GC in Lake City
Somerby GC in Byron
Giants Ridge in Biwabik
Alexandria GCV in Alexandria
Arrowwood GC&CC in Alexandria
Grey Stone GC I Sauk Centre
Minnesota Valley CC in Bloomington
Missouri
Porta Cima CC in Sunrise Beach
Witch’s Cove
Seasons Ridge GC
Montana
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Fairmont
Nebraska
Miracle Hill GC in Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas CC
Southern Highlands in Las Vegas
New York
Middle Island CC
Tennanah Lake G&TC in Roscoe
North Carolina
CC of Salisbury
Old North State Club in New London
Club at St. James Plantation in Southport
Prestonwood CC in Cary
The Club at Irish Creek in Kannapolis
Carmel CC in Charlotte
Badin Inn Resort in Badin
Dunes Golf & Beach Club in Myrtle Beach
Carolina Trace CC in Sanford
Porters Neck CC in Wilmington
Hickory Meadows GC in Whitakers
Ohio
Portage CC in Akron
Oklahoma
Forest Ridge GC in Broken Arrow
Pennsylvania
Boreland Golf Center in New Wilmington
VFW GC in Hermitager
Rhode Island
Triggs Memorial GC in Providence
South Carolina
Colleton River Plantation in Bluffton
Berkly Hall Club in Bluffton
Camden CC
Tennessee
Glen Eagle GC in Millington
Redtail Mountain GC in Mountain City
Windtree GC in Mt. Juliet
Texas
The Club at Falcon Point in Katy
Ft. Sam Houston Golf Shop in San Antonio
Gateway Hills GC at Lackland AFB
Woodlake CC in San Antonio
Golf Club of Texas
Ranchland Hills GC in Midland
Tee-Up Pro Shop in Eagle Lake
Virginia
Eaglewood G&CC at Langley AFB
Washington
Gallery GC at the US Navy Air Station in Oak Harbor
Wisconsin
St. Crois National GC in Somerset
New Richmond GC
Fox Hils GC in Mishicot
Wyoming
Targhee Village GC in Alta
