The Quicken Loans National golf tournament has officially begun – eyes from all over the world are on Prince William County, Virginia. And while this major event at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is the venue for internationally known golfers to compete – it’s so much, much more!
According to tournament director Mike Antolini, since the tournament began in 2007, there has been a focus on charitable and military support.
“Charity is at the heart of the PGA TOUR. So, all net proceeds from the Quicken Loans National goes back into the community, to benefit charities like the Tiger Woods Foundation. Since the tournament’s inception in 2007, we’re very proud of the fact that we’ve raised around $22 million for the Tiger Woods Foundation, and other local charities,” said Antolini.
Providing education funding to students
This focus on giving back to the community has led to the Tiger Woods Foundation building three learning centers – most recently in Prince William County (Marine Corps Base Quantico)– as well as the Earl Woods Scholarship Program. The scholarship program provides $5,000 a year to each recipient, for use on educational expenses. Twenty-five area students are currently enrolled in the program.
One of these recipients is 20-year old George Mason University junior, James Green.
“I was in high school, in my senior year, and I didn’t have complete funding to go to college. So I was either going to community college classes, or I was going to enlist in the Marine Corps…[My principal] called me, and told me there was an opportunity with the Tiger Woods Foundation, and they offered me a scholarship,” said Green.
Green’s father is a retiring Marine, based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Green plans to follow in his father’s footsteps, and would like to attend Officer Candidate School for the Marine Corps.
According to Green, the generosity of the Tiger Woods Foundation has been life changing.
“It’s changed my life, because I’m able to pursue my dream. Nobody else has been an officer in the military in my family, and there’s a long line of military members in my family. Financially, it’s great to go to school and be able to study and focus on my schoolwork, rather than other students that have to focus on ‘am I going to be able to pay for this semester’ and balance that with their schoolwork,” said Green.
Honoring men and women who served
In addition to the charitable giving that has been at the heart of the Quicken Loans National, the Tiger Woods Foundation also made the men and women in the Armed Forces, and veterans, an important part of the tournament.
“When the Quicken Loans Nation began in 2007, honoring the brave men and women of our Armed Forces was a main focal point, and that has not changed,” said Antolini.
Several military members will be attending the event free of charge, and discounted tickets are available for veterans, said Antolini.
One of the tournament’s sponsors – Lockheed Martin – has sponsored a pavilion on the 15th green, where military families can view the tournament comfortably.
“More than 30,000 complimentary tickets were given to local men and women of the military…so when they come on site, they can have a place to congregate and to enjoy the tournament in a relaxed, climate controlled setting,” said Antolini.
On site at the tournament, two highlights are the ‘Shot for Heroes’ 19th hole, and the ‘We Salute Our Heroes’ tribute wall.
The tribute wall will be located behind the first tee. Anyone that attends the tournament can write a note of appreciation to the military on the wall – which will later be framed and sent to the various military branches.
The 19th hole for heroes combines fun and fundraising for our troops.
“This year, at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club…there’s an actual 19th hole…it has the Quicken Loans ‘Shot for Heroes’. All week, fans are going to be able to take an actual shot from 100 yards, on to an actual green, and with each attempt…money is raised for the Warrior Support Foundation,” said Antolini.
Potomac Local will continue to provide coverage on the ongoing Quicken Loans National Tournament, so be sure to check back with us.
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