Folds of Honor Friday is a new initiative launching at the Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour, designed to honor U.S. service men and women and first responders. The brainchild behind this initiative is Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a veteran F-16 fighter pilot and Class A PGA professional. The program includes the performance of the national anthem at the end of competition at the 18th green, with participants encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to show support.
The goal is for Folds of Honor Friday to spread to select tournaments on the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, and Korn Ferry Tour. Lt. Col. Rooney, who founded Folds of Honor in 2007, views this debut as a significant moment, combining his love for the game of golf and country. The initiative aims to honor the military and first responders who display bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.
In addition to the national anthem performance, 13 scholarships will be awarded to central Ohio recipients, specifically children and spouses of fallen and disabled servicemen and women and first responders. Folds of Honor has awarded 52,000 scholarships valued at nearly $244 million, symbolized by the 13 folds required to transform the flag into a triangle.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has expressed support for Folds of Honor and Lt. Col. Rooney, recognizing the valuable work they do in providing scholarships to those in need. The program at the Memorial Tournament will feature the national anthem performance by the Ladies of Longford, accompanied by Folds of Honor scholarship recipients around the 18th green, and a special presentation by the Patriot Parachute Team.
Memorial executive director Dan Sullivan sees Folds of Honor Friday as a natural addition to the Memorial Tournament, which has a history of recognizing U.S. service members with its Salute to Service Day program. The event ties in seamlessly with the legacy of tournament host Jack Nicklaus, who has been a longtime supporter of Patriot Golf Days and collaborated with Lt. Col. Rooney on the design of American Dunes Golf Club.
Jack Nicklaus himself has been vocal in his support for the military and first responders, and sees the Memorial Tournament as the ideal platform to launch Folds of Honor Friday. His involvement in Patriot Golf Days and the creation of American Dunes Golf Club underscores his commitment to honoring those who sacrifice for the country’s freedom and safety. The Memorial Tournament serves as the official kickoff for this new initiative to honor and support those who serve.
