The Fairways for Freedom 99-Hole March on Pinehurst

(PINEHURST, N.C.) — In an effort to bring awareness to the visible and invisible injuries of so many of our veterans, Doug Knapp is on a mission that is scheduled to take place 99 days from today, on June 22, 2020. Starting at first light, Doug plans to set out on his quest to play 99 different holes at the Pinehurst Resort, all in one day! Doug’s goal is to play, in this order:
• No. 4 Course
• No.1 Course
• No. 5 Course
• No. 3 Course
• The (par-3) Cradle • No. 2 Course

Knapp, a combat-injured veteran with five tours of duty to Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marine Corps Special Ops Command, contends that too few of us are aware of and understand the physical and psychological injuries our combat-injured veterans endure after returning from war. He knows this from his own personal experiences.

Knapp has already started training for THE 99-HOLE MARCH ON PINEHURST and will continue to do so over the next several months. He will be taking contributions for his efforts and donating all funds he raises to Fairways for Freedom, which helps combat-injured veterans assimilate back into society through holistic initiatives and the game of golf. Fairways for Freedom is a recognized 501 (c) (3) Public Charity.

Roger Schiffman, Director and co-founder with Dr. Patricia Donnelly of Fairways for Freedom, notes that Knapp should be commended for coming up with the 99-Hole March on Pinehurst initiative. “This was Doug's idea, not ours, but we are grateful that Doug has chosen to donate the funds he raises to our charity,” Schiffman says. “Clearly, Doug is a very special human being. He has been through some incredibly tough times, and he says golf very likely saved his life. Now he wants to give back to his fellow veterans and to those who support them.”

Says Tom Pashley, President, Pinehurst Resort: “We are excited to follow Doug's inspiring journey as he prepares to challenge many of the courses at Pinehurst, including Pinehurst No. 2 and the terrific redesign of Pinehurst No. 4 by Gil Hanse. We are grateful for all of the men and women who serve so bravely in the military, and we look forward to joining Fairways for Freedom in helping Doug achieve his goal and complete his march on Pinehurst.”

Knapp enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 2002. After 10 years of service, he received a Bronze Star with Valor in 2005 and was awarded a number of other combat medals and ribbons. He also recently received a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree. Although he has been playing golf only five years and is self-taught, he holds an 8.2 Handicap Index.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to give back to my fellow veterans and increase awareness for those of us struggling physically and mentally as a result of war trauma,” Knapp says. “Thank you to Pinehurst Resort President Pashley and all the staff at the Pinehurst Resort for your unwavering support. I’m so excited to see everyone June 22 for this monumental event.”

The Pinehurst Resort plans to help Knapp’s efforts by putting him through one of its Golf Academies, directed by the highly respected golf instructor Eric Alpenfels. The resort will also seek to promote the 99 Hole March through its social media platform and golf industry connections. Titleist has offered to fit Knapp for a brand-new set of clubs for the occasion, and Foot-Joy has offered to provide special golf shoes designed for stability in the swing and walking comfort. Knapp has already started training for the Big Day by working with a personal fitness expert, as well as psychological and nutritional coach Dr. Patricia Donnelly, a co-founder of Fairways for Freedom.

Stay tuned for updates on Doug's progress. To pledge a donation and support Doug Knapp in his mission, click on www.fff99holemarch.com.