Photo By Sgt. Michael Ito | Sgt. Joseph Barton, primary marksmanship instructor, C Range, Weapons and Field...... read more read more
Subscribe
As the golfing parties approached the 14th hole, Jan. 27 - Jan. 30, they were not greeted by the familiar PGA Tour logo on a white flag. Rather, they were greeted by the National ensign, as crisp as the uniform of the Marine guarding it.
The Farmer’s Insurance Open is a PGA Tour event held annually at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, Calif. For the past six years, the Century Club of San Diego, with the help of local business partners, have added a perspective to honor the military that is now a major highlight of the tournament.
“It first began when several retired military Century Club members suggested that we find ways to honor and show support for our military during the tournament,” said Jim Horton, President of The Century Club of San Diego. “We always offer complimentary admission to all active duty personnel and their immediate family members during tournament week and our efforts to show our thanks and appreciation for their service continues to grow every year,”
The Century Club has made military appreciation one of their key philanthropic priorities for the Farmer’s Insurance Open. This year, more than $73,000 was raised in donations and sponsorships. Including donations, the six-year total amount raised was $575,000 for military appreciation activities according to the Century Club website.
In addition to providing financial support for military families and activities, the Open featured several events catered specifically to the military community.
On Jan. 25, the Century Club hosted the second annual Military Appreciation Luncheon. More than 300 sailors and Marines were invited to enjoy lunch at the Torrey Pines Hilton and listen to an impressive list of keynote speakers. Lou Champagne, a veteran of the battle of Iwo Jima, joined the San Diego Padres and Gerald Coffee, a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, in addressing the service members.
Once the event was underway, all active duty military could gain free admission to the Open. They were also privy to all the services offered at the military pavilion overlooking the 14th green. The pavilion had a variety of snacks and refreshments, with complimentary steak sandwiches.
The pavilion was largely populated by Marines and sailors coming to enjoy the event, but was also home to the color guard responsible for honoring the American flag that hung on the pin of the 14th hole. There was always a Marine on the course guarding the flag once the party was on the green.
Upon approach, each caddy removed the pin from the hole and handed the flag to the Marine on duty to guard until the hole was finished. During the exchange, it was not uncommon to see caddies and even the golfers themselves exchange handshakes and thanks with the Marine.
“We were shown a lot of appreciation,” said Sgt. Jesse Fuentes, supply chief for Security Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. “I was surprised at how conscientious the caddies were of making sure the flag was taken care of.”
Even though they were working at the event, the guards were pleased with their time on the course.
“We got a lot out of the experience,” said Cpl. Vahliah Bradshaw, corrections specialist, Security Bn., MCB Camp Pendleton. “I’m honored to be able to do this, and felt that we (Marines and players) all benefited from being here.”
As tournament activities wound down and Bubba Watson sank his winning putt on Jan. 27, San Diego Padres Vice Chairman and CEO Jeff Moorad expressed his gratitude for the service of all the armed forces and enthusiasm for participating in events honoring that service.
“The San Diego Padres are thrilled to partner for the second year in a row with The Century Club of San Diego, an organization that shares our strong commitment to the local community and the United States Armed Forces.”
The players took home a purse of nearly $5.5 million, and the military members who attended the event took home a firm sense of where the community stands on their service.
“To all who currently serve or are retired from active military service, we at the Century Club stand and salute you, and say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your service,” said Horton.
| Date Taken: | 02.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2011 15:19 |
| Story ID: | 65267 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 153 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, San Diego, PGA Tour recognize local service members, by SGT Michael Ito, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
