Since its inception three years ago, the World’s Largest Golf Outinghas donated more than $1.1 million to WWP, the largest amount ever via a single-day golf event. In addition to a portion of golfer entry fees WWP received, donations were accepted atworldslargestgolfouting.com.
The simultaneous golf outing at BCG properties included participation of more than 70 wounded warriors at 27 different courses. WWP is the national non-profit organization that honors and empowers injured service men and women.
“The outpouring from across the country is incredible,” says Sergeant Robert Maier, a wounded warrior who survived two IED attacks and played at Black Mountain Golf Course (Black Mountain, NC) with Mayor Carl Bartlett. “The money raised does amazing things for us and our families.”
Other highlights of the event included:
- Lyman Orchards Golf Club (Middlefield, CT) topped all courses with $51,449 in total donations
- Team Calkin – led by a retired Marine – at Alta Vista Country Club (Placentia, CA) raised $14,960, outpacing all foursomes
- Four teams raised more than $8,000 each, 10 teams more than $5,000 each
- Jordan Fairchild – born on September 11, 2001 – sang the Star-Spangled Banner at Palmbrook Country Club (Sun City, AZ)
- The Claw at USF (Tampa, FL) hosted the most wounded warrior golfers (nine)
- 10 courses hosted more than 200 golfers
- Retired Lieutenant Colonel David LaPlane hit the ceremonial first tee shot at Rock Manor Golf Course (DE)
- 21-gun salute to kick off the outing at Orchard Valley Golf Course (IL)
- Lincoln Hills Golf Club (Lincoln, CA) hosted 307 golfers (120 active or retired military), including personnel from Air Force Base Travis facing off against Air Force Beale in a friendly “Base Battle” match-play competition (Beale won)
- Many BCG courses honored the military with moments of silence; ceremonial first tee shots; standing ovations; national anthems; color guards; patriotic pin flags, tee markers and apparel; and golf carts decorated in red, white and blue
“The sacrifice of wounded warriors in the name of our country is humbling,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “Our loyal golfers are commended for turning out in droves this year and raising a fantastic sum for this worthy cause.”
All golfers were entered into a drawing to win a grand-prize trip for four to the Nike Campus in Oregon to get fitted for Nike irons. In addition, tournament winners at each course were eligible to win tickets to the 2014 PGA Championship in Louisville, KY as well as products from top golf brands Ahead, Bridgestone, Callaway, Cleveland, FootJoy, Nike, TaylorMade and Titleist. Teams with the highest contribution levels received complimentary tees times at BCG courses and WWP merchandise.