For the first time in its 15-year history, Patriot Golf Days will be held over Memorial Day weekend (May 28-31) as a way to further honor our nation’s heroes.
PGA REACH, the 501(c)3 charitable foundation of the PGA of America, and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members, will jointly host the nationwide annual fundraiser. This marks the second year the two organizations have come together to expand and grow fundraising efforts for both PGA HOPE and Folds of Honor through the game of golf.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program includes a six-to-eight-week developmental curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. In 2019, PGA HOPE programming impacted 2,500 Veterans nationwide.
“We’re using golf as a form of dedicated rehabilitation and therapy for our Veterans, and we couldn’t be more proud of the vital work PGA HOPE does,” said Corp. (Ret.) Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison. “Our partnership with Folds of Honor to expand the reach of Patriot Golf Days means we can impact more families of the men and women we serve. And to be able to have it during Memorial Day weekend is a perfect way to continue living our mission of supporting our nation’s heroes.”
Through its first 14 years, Patriot Golf Days has raised more than $50 million to help fund educational opportunities for Veterans, their spouses and children.
“We're very excited about moving Patriot Golf Days to Memorial Day weekend,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, PGA, Founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “It's exactly the right time for this event. The commitment and generosity of golfers across the country is going to raise significant funds for academic scholarships for military dependents and assist our Veterans who deserve and need our help.”
Patriot Golf Days began as a grassroots fundraising initiative over Labor Day Weekend in 2007, with golfers across the country encouraged to add an extra dollar to their green fees to fund Folds of Honor scholarships for families of fallen or disabled Veterans. Over the last 14 years, the effort has grown to encompass a variety of fundraising events, tournaments and golf marathons led by PGA Professionals and golfers in all 50 states and 41 PGA Sections. These events, and other related yearlong activities, have funded more than 10,000 scholarships.
To find participating courses around the country, donate or to register a course for Patriot Golf Days, visit patriotgolfdays.com.