In 2011 a one of a kind event was born – The Patriot All-America Invitational featuring the best of the best in collegiate golf from every NCAA division plus special invitees. Throughout the 54-hole championship, each participant honored a fallen or severely injured soldier by carrying a bag bearing the name of that individual.
This year’s invitational will take place Dec. 27-31 at the Wigwam Golf Resort in Litchfield Park. It features PING All-Americans from the previous season in NCAA Divisions I, II and III, as well as All-Americans from the NAIA, NJCAA and AJGA ranks.
The 54-hole amateur event held at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona is the first of its kind to combine the talents of 84 nationally recognized players in a holiday bowl-like experience. It is the combined effort of the Arizona Golf Association, the Golf Coaches Association of America and the Wigwam Golf Resort in conjunction with the tournament’s beneficiary, the Folds of Honor Foundation.
The unique aspect of this Championship is that it also honors our military heroes. In fact, that is the foundation of this event. We honor the military throughout the week. At the opening ceremony, each golfer receives and carries a commemorative PING golf bag that bears the name and branch of a fallen or wounded hero from their hometown or school. Additionally, all of the golfers have the opportunity to visit Luke Air Force Base, the training center for our nation’s F-16 and F-35 fighter pilots. There, they meet with the General, fighter pilots and crew, and tour the base while participating in activities rarely seen by civilians.
The players carry the bag and honor that solder throughout the week. Upon conclusion, the bags are shipped back to the player’s school where they are auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the Folds of Honor charity.
