Kaua‘i’s resort golf courses are joining all other PGA sections in the celebration of the country’s first Patriot Golf Day Saturday. Patriot Golf Day, a joint initiative of The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is a
Kaua‘i’s resort golf courses are joining all other PGA sections in the celebration of the country’s first Patriot Golf Day Saturday.
Patriot Golf Day, a joint initiative of The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is a national campaign to help families of those who have been killed or severely injured while serving the country.
Golfers will be asked to donate a $1 or more to their green fees. In addition, each facility will make a $1 donation for every round of golf played at their course that day.
The money will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Inc., which also benefits the Fallen Heroes Foundation, a foundation that will pay for the education of children who have lost a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Daniel Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and a PGA member, is spearheading the program.
“Patriot Golf Day is a call to action — a call to American citizens to help the children of our Fallen Heroes,” Rooney said in a release. “Its success depends on the patriots who support it. We have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference.”
Paul Ito, director of golf of the Puakea Golf Course in Lihu‘e, said he is happy to have coordinated this program with the other courses of the island.
“The money is going to support families of those who may have been injured,” Ito said. “I think regardless of what your politics are or your stance on Iraq, there are folks who have gone and been injured or lost their lives. Helping them get back to normal is something that’s worth supporting.”
The Princeville clubhouses have been decorated with a red, white and blue theme. The resort golf course is going the extra mile in raffling off a Cleveland Sand Wedge with a $10 donation and free rounds of golf for an extra $5 donation.
Matt Torry, head pro for the Kiahuna Golf Course, said they will celebrate Patriot Golf Day on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s a way to honor our troops and show our appreciation,” he said.
Torry said they are looking to have more than 100 golfers play at the course that day.
“Hopefully, we’ll raise more than $100 and send it out,” Torry said.
For more information, visit www.pga.com.
