Monthly Archives: October 2020

Patriot Golf Foundation Aligns with Other Non-Profits to Expand Their Support of Veterans and Military Families

Scottsdale, AZ, October 16, 2020 –(PR.com)– Several non-profits across the country have formed a strategic alliance to provide increased support and exposure to the critical causes that match with their missions. Under the name, Invisible Shield, The Patriot Golf Foundation, Heart of a Lion John Daly – Major Ed Foundation, Uncommon Grit Foundation, and TIU4ALL comprise the founding organizations.

“Invisible Shield is based on the definition of invisible as ‘someone or something that cannot be seen’, and shield as ‘one that protects or defends,’” states Chick Linski, President of the John Daly – Major Ed Foundation and one of the drivers behind this collaborative effort. “The term ‘Invisible Shield’ was coined during a conversation with Darren ‘McB’ McBurnett, US Navy SEAL (Ret.), leader of the Uncommon Grit Foundation. We feel that we are providing the recipients of our missions with a sense of protection from their personal challenges by providing valuable resources, support, and opportunities. Each of the foundations involved want our benefactors to be the focal point of our efforts, not the organizations per se.”

The Patriot Golf Foundation provides both resources and access to the game to military veterans through its national Patriot Golf Schools. According to Ted Simons, Executive Director, “The game of golf has proven to be therapeutic for veterans suffering from PTSD, physical, mental, and emotional challenges as the result of their service. Each golf school includes veterans at no cost to learn, play, and socialize with the sponsors for the day.” Proceeds from the golf schools are shared with qualified foundations that support military veterans and their families.

Heart of a Lion is a new foundation formed by 2-time Major Winner John Daly and Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (Ret.). Both John and Major Ed have a long history of giving back to others less fortunate including the Boys & Girls Club, St Jude’s Hospital and several notable foundations and charities supporting our wounded veterans and their families.

Uncommon Grit Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and increase community support for military, first responders, and their families. Darren McBurnett leads Uncommon Grit as an extension of The Bone Frog Open; a golf, entertainment, and social event that honors fallen U.S. Navy SEALs. The Bone Frog Open is about awareness, remembrance, patriotism, camaraderie, and fun and a way to thank our military and first responder men and women for being the ones that run toward danger, not away from it.

TIU4ALL (Tee It Up 4 All) provides resources, access, support, and equipment for adaptive golfers in the U.S. As with all the members of Invisible Shield, TIU4ALL brings “the healing power of golf” to disabled military veterans, first responders, and the general population that will benefit from participating in golf. Access to adaptive equipment, instruction, and tournaments are key elements which benefit from TIU4ALL. In addition, Jon Moore, Director of TIU4ALL, directs the adaptive golf program at the University of Arizona, the first adaptive golf program in collegiate sports.

Future collaborations, events, and opportunities between the foundations will be announced soon.

Media contact:
Jennifer Lyons
Marketing Director
Synergy Group Marketing
jennifer@synergygroupmarketingsbc.com

For information on each of the Invisible Shield organizations and to inquire how to support, please visit:

Patriot Golf Foundation: www.patriotgolffoundation.com

Heart of a Lion John Daly – Major Ed Foundation: www.jdme.org

Uncommon Grit Foundation: www.uncommongritfoundation.org

TIU4ALL: www.tiu4all.org

Clemson Program Appoints Pine Lake Golf Club as Learning Site

Anderson, SC, October 11, 2020 –(PR.com)– Pine Lake Golf Club, in cooperation with Clemson University’s PGA Golf Management program, will represent a learning site for a student research project that focuses on course management and operations as they relate to the golf industry.

Directed by Richard Lucas, staff and students will be conducting surveys and observations related to the existing operations at Pine Lake Golf Club and other courses in the immediate trade area. This data will then be compared to regional data for analysis. The project aims to confirm Pine Lake Golf Club is operating efficiently, while also providing a road map and target goals using proven data from industry specialists. This learning opportunity for students extends beyond the classroom and provides them with introductions to vendors, players, and alumni. The findings from this research will positively impact Pine Lake Golf Club through course preservation practices and sustainable standards for club longevity.

“We’re looking forward to what this relationship will mean for us as a business that focuses on creating a positive experience for Pine Lake Golf Club guests and members, and by combining [our] resources, these findings will be beneficial to other courses in the area,” says Bryan Boggs, co-owner of Pine Lake Golf Club. “We’re going to be collecting data and learning about factors that impact the golf experience like we never have before, and if other businesses can apply this research to their own clubs during such unpredictable times, then, of course, we’re happy to be part of something so impactful.”

This partnership comes at an ideal time for Pine Lake Golf Club, as they just recently appointed a new golf pro, Kurt Vogel, who is also a graduate of Clemson University’s PGA Golf Management program, and will assume the role later this month. Vogel has over twenty-five years of experience managing successful golf & facility operations, holding roles as a golf professional, director of golf, and others. Additionally, this junction between Pine Lake Golf Club and the Clemson University program sets a precedent for privately owned businesses and public universities to continue finding opportunities to connect, paving the way for others to follow. By joining together, these types of entities can build bridges between students and industry professionals, allowing students to get real-world experience in the process.

One of only 18 PGA accredited programs, the PGA Golf Management program in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) at Clemson University provides an educational background and fast track program for students who desire to become PGA golf professionals. Students obtain specialized knowledge, skills, and preparation to be leaders in the golf industry. The goal of the PGA golf management curriculum is to provide an academic program that develops well-rounded, service-oriented golf professionals.

About Pine Lake Golf Club: Designed by Russel Breeden, Pine Lake Golf Club is a par 70 course that sits on 150 acres along the banks of Broadway Lake. The course accommodates all skill levels as evidenced by close to 50 years of operation, making it one of the longest operating golf courses in Anderson County. The course is open to the public, but memberships are also available. The clubhouse features a lakefront restaurant – Raines on Broadway – with indoor and outdoor dining areas overlooking the 18th green and the lake. Additionally, you’ll find a pro-shop and a large private room available to rent for meetings and events. The clubhouse setting is ideal for casual dining or conference/event bookings. To stay up to date with tournaments and future plans, follow Pine Lake Golf Club on social media.

Press Representative: Taylor Stephens, Pine Lake Golf Club Media & Marketing
Representative Email: medi@palmettodistillery.com