Oklahoma Golfers Give Back During Patriot Golf Day

Deanne Stein, News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The golf courses are busy this holiday weekend, but for many of these golfers it is not just about passing the day away, it's also about giving back to military families.

Patriot Golf Day is a national fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation. It's been held each year during Labor Day weekend since 2007, giving golfers a chance to add one dollar to their green fees at participating golf courses.

The money raised goes to help the children of soldiers who were injured or killed in Afghanistan or Iraq.

"The whole idea is to give them hope, give them something to live for and be proud of," said U.S. Army Maj. Larry Wasson, who has participated in the event since it started in 2007.

At the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, they stepped it up a notch with golfers pledging dollar amounts for each hole played.

"It's a special cause," said Derrick Vest, assistant golf pro at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. "Especially here in Oklahoma this year with all the tragedies we've had with the soldiers killed in combat. It's a way for our members to say thank you."

The Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club alone raised $6,000 during the event. The money raised will go for scholarships and other resources.

Find out more about Patriot Golf Day and how you can donate.

Find out how to apply for help for children of soldiers killed or injured in Afghanistan or Iraq.

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