Patriot Golf Day Raises More Than $4.8 Million for Folds of Honor in 2013 Folds of Honor Foundation

PGA Professionals held events throughout the year to raise funds for educational scholarships and other assistance for families of military members disabled or killed in service

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA Professionals, USGA Members, and golf facilities around the country helped raise a record of more than $4.8 million for the Folds of Honor Foundation through Patriot Golf Day events in 2013, bringing the seven-year total for funding educational scholarships for the families of service members wounded or killed while serving our country to more than $21.8 million.

Nearly 5,000 facilities registered to host 2013 Patriot Golf Day events throughout the year with the majority taking placing during Labor Day weekend. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

“The PGA of America is proud to be an integral part of Patriot Golf Day year after year,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “By hosting and participating in Patriot Golf Day events, PGA Professionals and golfers nationwide are supporting the Folds of Honor mission and ultimately the families of our military heroes.”

Patriot Golf Day, the primary fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, seeks to honor the sacrifice of American heroes as an annual event to raise money for educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. Golfers are asked to donate at least $1 for each round of golf during Patriot Golf Day weekend, while non-golfers can participate by making a donation to the foundation at FoldsofHonor.org. Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, USGA Member and former F-16 military pilot who served three tours of duty in Iraq, developed Patriot Golf Day in 2007.

“Patriot Golf Day continues to be the most successful fundraising event for Folds of Honor thanks to the dedication of our PGA Professionals, USGA Members and local golfers,” said Rooney. “For seven years, the golf industry has made a significant impact in the lives of those who have given us so much. Patriot Golf Day continues to ensure that no family is left behind, securing the legacy of military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

“Patriot Golf Day’s success is directly linked to the PGA Professionals who host events throughout the year, when it suits their members and communities,” said Patriot Golf Day Vice President Tony Biata, PGA. “What works best for them works best for the Folds of Honor Foundation, and we’re incredibly appreciative of their continued efforts in making Patriot Golf Day a success each year.”

As of January 2014, 1.4 million dependents have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these, 85 percent do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor, and those applying for scholarships should visit FoldsofHonor.org. To date, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 5,400 educational scholarships to the families of fallen or wounded soldiers.

To learn more about the PGA of America, visit www.pgamediacenter.com.