Diverse News 2007®

Patriot Golf Day Produces Over $1.1 Million to Support Veterans Families
    PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural Patriot
Golf Day, inspired by Capt. Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and USGA member
from Broken Arrow, Okla., has resulted in donations of more than $1.1
million to support the families of veterans who have been injured or
perished in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.

    The nationwide campaign, conducted Sept. 1, was originated by Rooney,
founder of the Fallen Heroes Foundation. Patriot Golf Day is jointly
supported by The PGA of America and the USGA. This past year, contributions
were received from more than 3,200 golf facilities nationwide. On Patriot
Golf Day, golfers at public facilities added an extra dollar to their
greens fee, and private facilities asked for donations.

    Patriot Golf Day will be renewed in 2008 during Labor Day weekend, Aug.
29 -- Sept. 1, before Rooney reports in the fall for his third tour of Iraq
as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National
Guard.



    "I contended all along that there are patriots lying latent all over
the country," said Rooney, a 34-year-old father of three daughters, who is
president of Falcon Golf XVI Management Company, which is developing a
course -- The Patriot -- in Owasso, Okla. "We gave golfers something that
fit into their schedule.

    "I have a direction and a purpose in life. There is no doubt every
decision I've made has brought me to this point. It is amazing what has
transpired in a short time and how there is a vision and a passion by so
many to support this."

    Rooney said that the initial Patriot Golf Day scholarships to children
of veterans will be awarded in the spring of 2008 to aid students beginning
in the fall semester. Participating facilities will be listed on
http://www.PlayGolfAmerica.com. Individuals interested in contributing to the
Fallen Heroes Foundation, and those applying for scholarships should visit
http://www.fallenheroesfoundation.org.

    "You can't help but feel uplifted by the generosity and spirit of Dan
Rooney, a true American hero and someone who has generated the same
patriotism in so many throughout the country," said PGA of America
President Brian Whitcomb. "Patriot Golf Day is an ongoing effort by
everyone in the golf industry to support the families of our fallen and
injured heroes who have sacrificed for us."
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