September golf events support troops and students

On Sept. 1, public golf courses nationwide will request an additional $1 for each green fee they process, while private facilities will ask patrons to contribute donations for the first ever Patriot Golf Day. The funds will go to support families of those who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of military duty.

PGA Professional Dan Rooney of Stillwater, Okla., is spearheading the program to raise funds through the PGA and USGA benefiting Wounded Warriors, Inc. and The Fallen Heroes Foundation.

"The foundation's purpose is to help financially with education, counseling and the total caring for children of our fallen heroes," said Rooney.

Wounded Warriors, Inc. provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The organization owns family friendly resort condominiums in Orlando and Galveston, Texas, where war-torn families can retreat to restore peace and solace to their lives after the trauma they have endured.

Rooney, both an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard and a member of The PGA of America, has logged two tours in Iraq, and following his most recent tour, began to think of ways he could support the troops and their families. Rooney and his father, John, became owners of Grand Haven Golf Course in Michigan in 1998, and recently initiated the West Michigan Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament, benefiting Michigan families who lost parents in Iraq and Afghanistan.

COURTESY PHOTO Dan Rooney, fighter pilot and PGA professional poses next to his F-16 to support Patriot Golf Day on Sept. 1. Rooney, the PGA of America and The United States Golf Association decided to improve on the concept and created Patriot Golf Day. The PGA has also partnered with the USGA to support this program by producing all collateral material to over 4,000 participating golf courses, promoting it via the 41 PGA Sections in America, and endorsing it on PGA.com and USGA.org.

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 joined America Supports You in May 2007 as part of The PGA of America/Disabled Sport USA Military Golf Program.

COURTESY PHOTO Members of the Estero High School Junior Class, from the left, Jessica Hill, Taylor Rink, Kayla Kincaid, Lauren Fite, Tyler Eastridge, Jessica Moorhead, and Sam Mariani, prepare for their sixth annual golf tournament benefiting the school's Senior Prom. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com or www.FallenHeroesFoundation.org.

Estero High School junior class sponsors annual golf event

Estero High School's junior class is sponsoring its sixth annual fundraising golf tournament benefiting the school's Senior Prom. The Sept. 8 tournament is open to the public and requires prior registration for the event at Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs.

Like most high schools in the area, the junior class is expected to raise the money, in this instance $10,000, to host the school's most significant social event that typically draws over 500 students in attendance. "We're trying to set the standard for class fundraising and event planning," says Junior Class President, Tyler Eastridge.

The $75 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, cart fees, green fees, and eligibility for a number of prizes for participants. Prizes are expected to include free rounds of golf at top courses in the area, free tennis lessons with regional pro's at various clubs, along with golf balls, golf clubs and shopping sprees, and a special hole-in-one prize.

Local businesses and individuals are invited to participate in hole sponsorships available for $100. Participants can register by contacting Taylor Rink at 239-287-9514 or by email at taylorrobin05@aol.com. ¦