Gaylord, MI (July 31, 2008) – Treetops Resort, located in the Alpine Village of Gaylord Michigan, will host the inaugural Patriot Golf Day Shootout August 29-31, 2008. This exciting two-person event is a fundraiser benefiting the Folds of Honor Foundation, which helps families of fallen American military heroes. The event is a merger between two very successful events: the popular Par 3 Amateur Shootout and the PGA of America’s Patriot Golf Day.
F-16 fighter pilot and PGA member Captain Dan Rooney founded Patriot Golf Day after flying from Chicago to Grand Rapids on a plane, which carried the body of Army specialist Brock Bucklin home to his family after he lost his life in Iraq. At that point, Brock became Dan’s inspiration and with the help of the PGA of America, Patriot Golf Day has become a national phenomenon.
“After my staff and I attended the PGA Annual Meeting in Orlando and listened to Captain Rooney’s emotional speech, we knew that we wanted to do something special for this event”, said Kevin McKinley, Director of Golf at Treetops Resort. “We have worked diligently since January to put the pieces into place to host one of the Premier events in the nation associated with Patriot Golf Day.”
An Opening Ceremony at Treetops on Friday, August 29 will pay tribute to those who have put their lives on the line for the freedom of all US citizens. An honor guard, a possible flyover, and Duane and Dawn Brocklin – the parents of the fallen serviceman Brock Bucklin from Caledonia, Michigan will be part of the ceremony.
“The Treetops PGA Patriot Golf Day event provides the opportunity for Dawn and I to pay our personal respects to our son ( Brock), the PGA, Dan Rooney, and everyone associated with Treetops”, said Duane Brocklin. “Our son Brock would be tremendously proud of the PGA’s recognition and support of the military, and it’s fallen heroes children. Rarely do we get a chance to do, or contribute to something “truly honorable”. Defending our great country’s freedom, is not for one’s self, it is for the future of our children.”
The donation for entry is $260.00 per-person, which includes 54-holes, opening ceremony, dinner banquet, gifts, and prizes. Discounted lodging rates of $69 in the Inn and $89 in the Lodge per night will also apply. In addition, active or retired military personnel receive a $25 discount off their entry fee and complimentary practice rounds.
Saturday’s Patriot Golf Day round will feature two-person teams competing in a best ball tournament on the Tom Fazio Premier course; Sunday’s round on the Rick Smith Signature course will be a two-person scramble. The teams will be flighted based on team handicap. There will also be an Open division (which will not utilize handicap) featuring a cash payout, therefore professionals are welcome to play.
In addition, players each day will play their own ball on the world-renowned Threetops-Par 3 course. Prizes will be awarded to players who can hit shots inside the closest to the pin shots that the legends of the game – such as Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Fred Couples – hit during the popular ESPN Par-3 Shootout. Other prizes will be awarded for flight winners.
For more information about participating in the tournament, becoming a sponsor, or to make a donation please contact Patrick Gallagher, PGA Tournament Director, at 989-731-8479 or pgallagher@treetops.com, or you may simply view the Patriot Golf Day Shootout page at www.treetops.com.
Contact:
Kevin Frisch, (989) 614-0241, kevin@resortandgolf.com
Dave Richards, (248) 642-6420, dave@resortandgolf.com
