City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

For Immediate Release:  August 26, 2011

For Further Information Contact:  Derek Smith, PGA Head Golf Professional, 337-491-1204

         Mallard Cove Golf Course to Participate in 5^th Annual Patriot Golf Day

Mallard Cove Golf Course will participate for the fifth consecutive year in Patriot Golf Day, a joint initiative of the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association.  Golfers across the country and at Mallard Cove have the unique opportunity to donate $1 or more to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation (FoldsofHonor.org), which provides post-secondary educational scholarships to families of those who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty.  Mallard Cove will request at least an additional $1 for each green fee that is processed September 2 - 5.  Those who donate at least $2 will be automatically entered into a Closest-To-Pin contest each day.  The winner each day will receive a $25 gift certificate in the Pro Shop.

"This is a great way for the golf industry to help families of those who have lost their lives or been injured so that we may have our freedom," said Derek Smith, PGA Head Golf Professional of Mallard Cove Golf Course.  "This is a wonderful opportunity for golfers in our community to give back to those who have given everything. 

"Special thanks to Major Jody Guidry and the 3-156^th Infantry, Louisiana Army National Guard for their help in promoting this event."

The inaugural Patriot Golf Day was held September 1, 2007, and resulted in donations of more than $1.1 million from more than 3200 golf facilities.  In 2008, more than $2.1 million was raised at more than 3800 golf facilities nationwide.  To date, more than 4000 golf courses are participating and more than $8.6 million has been raised through Patriot Golf Day.  The Folds of Honor Foundation has been able to award over 2000 scholarships. 

Patriot Golf Day was inspired by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  Rooney has served three tours of duty in Iraq as an F-16 pilot in the 125^th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. 

Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor Foundation, and those applying for scholarships should visit FoldsofHonor.org. 

Folds of Honor Foundation

The Folds of Honor Foundation provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. (FoldofHonor.org)

The PGA of America

Since 1916, the PGA of America's mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.  By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcase as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.  By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, the PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.  The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

About the USGA

The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico, a combined territory that includes more than half the world's golf courses and golfers.  The Association's most visible role is played out each season in conducting 13 national championships, including the U.S, Open, U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open.  Ten additional USGA national championships are exclusively for amateurs, and include the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Women's Amateur.  The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, funds research for better turf and a better environment, maintains a Handicap System and administers an ongoing "For the Good of the Game"  grants program, which has allocated more than $65 million over 13 years to successful programs that bring the game's values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities.  For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.