Patriot Golf Day event fills holiday schedule
September 3, 2010
Golfers in the Cape Region and throughout the United States have an opportunity to contribute toward a great cause during the entire Labor Day weekend.
From September 3 through 6, golfers at participating courses will be asked to contribute toward and play golf for the fourth annual Patriot Golf Day event, all for the benefit of the Folds of Honor Foundation.
The Foundation is a charitable organization, eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. It supports the families of those in the military services who either died or became disabled while engaged in our nation’s defense. The money goes toward educational scholarships for the children and spouses of those who made these sacrifices.
To date, over 1,163 scholarships have been awarded. In the last three years the Patriot Golf Day event has raised more than 5.4 million dollars.
The idea first came to Dan Rooney, a PGA professional and an F-16 pilot in the Oklahoma National Guard. His radio call name is Noonan, fittingly enough.
More than 4,480 golf facilities participated in the charity event in 2009. For this year, the following Cape Region and Sussex County courses will ask their players to contribute: Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Shawnee Country Club in Milford, Baywood Greens Golf Club in Long Neck, The Peninsula Golf & Country Club in Millsboro, Midway Par 3 in Lewes, Sussex Pines Country Club in Georgetown, Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, and Heritage Shores Golf Club in Bridgeville.
Golfers usually make their contribution as they show up to play their rounds. In addition, the folks at American Express agreed to match any contributions made by golfers who plonk down their AmEx card for this purpose, up to a national total of $150,000.
For more information, as well as an opportunity to make your own contribution, click on over to patriotgolfday.com. You can also contact the Folds of Honor Foundation at 5800 N. Patriot Drive, Owasso, OK 74055, or call them at 918-274-4700.
Cape Golf Coach Wins by Himself
Claudio Smarrelli, the recently retired head golf coach for the Cape Henlopen High School Viking squad, has been doing some competing on his own lately. On August 25 the wily veteran won the Governor’s Cup Tournament at Kings Creek Country Club, his home layout.
Bacon Trophy Tournament at RBCC
The Ladies’ 18 Hole Golf Association of Rehoboth Beach Country Club held its annual Bacon Trophy Tournament August 25. The Trophy was donated to the Association by one of its members, Mabel Bacon, wife of a former Delaware Governor, Walter Bacon. He was in office from January 21, 1941 January 18, 1949.
Jean Archino was this year’s net winner, with a 64. Perry Drevo won a playoff against Cathy Carroll to determine second and third places, after both golfers scored net 68s.
Volunteers needed
Ron and Sue Allen of Kings Creek Country Club are seeking volunteers (men & women) to work the University of Pennsylvania’s 36 hole College Golf Tournament on Monday, September 27.
Some volunteers shuttle players between some of the longer stretches between the holes, while others are needed as ball spotters.
It’s a great opportunity to watch some amazing young talent.
For more information, call Kings Creek at 227-8953.
Don’t Mention It
A few columns ago, I wrote about a golf club that landed far up in a tree during a tournament. As a sign of how frustrated golfers can become, this was a nice little example.
The other day I was out on the Shawnee practice range. Another member walked up, hand outstretched, and said simply, “Thank you.”
I said, “You’re welcome,” and shook his hand.
He then said, “You probably don’t know why I’m thanking you,” and I agreed.
He then said, “I’m really glad you didn’t use my name in that story about the golf club.”
That’s a new one for me as a golf columnist for this paper. As part of a popular community newspaper, we’re happy to find ways to put our local readers into the story.
I think this is the first time someone was delighted that I didn’t.