LIHU‘E — Patriot Golf Day, a joint initiative of The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is being held at golf courses across the country during the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7. The third annual event will
LIHU‘E — Patriot Golf Day, a joint initiative of The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is being held at golf courses across the country during the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-7.
The third annual event will give golfers the unique opportunity to donate $1 or more to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides post-secondary scholarships to families of those who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty, states a press release.
There will be 61 facilities throughout Hawai‘i, or the Aloha Section, that will be participating. That ranks second in the nation at 98 percent participation amongst PGA facilities.
Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club, Kiahuna Golf Club, Kukuiolono Golf Course, Poipu Bay Golf Course, Princeville Golf Course/Prince Course, Puakea Golf Course and Wailua Golf Course will all be participating in the event.
Additionally, Puakea will be allowing all active duty military personnel and their spouses to play for $25 each, during any time over the four-day period. Children (18 and under) of active duty military personnel play for free. Active duty military identification is required.
“This is a great way for the golf industry to help the families of those who have lost their lives or have been injured so that we may have our freedom,” said Greg Nichols, GM and Director of Golf at Ko Olina Golf Club and chairman of Patriot Golf Day in Hawai‘i. “This is a wonderful opportunity for golfers in our community to give back to those who have given everything.”
The inaugural Patriot Golf Day was held Sept. 1, 2007 and resulted in donations of more than $1.1 million from more than 3,200 golf facilities. In 2008, more than $2.1 million was raised at more than 3,800 golf facilities nationwide. In the last two years, more than 550 educational scholarships have been given through the Folds of Honor Foundation. Aloha Section facilities raised over $10,000 to the cause last year.
Patriot Golf Day was inspired by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Okla. Rooney has served three tours of duty in Iraq as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
For a complete list of facilities and for more information about Patriot Golf Day, visit www.playgolfamerica.com.
Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor Foundation, and those applying for scholarships should visit foldsofhonor.org.
