Quicken Loans National enhances military appreciation initiatives
No tournament on the PGA TOUR has done more to honor the military than the Quicken Loans National. Since the inaugural National in 2007, the tournament has provided more than 30,000 complimentary tickets annually to members of the military. In 2017, The National will once again set the bar for supporting and honoring the brave men and women who serve or have served in the United States military. When the Quicken Loans National heads to TPC Potomac June 26 – July 2, the tournament will introduce several new initiatives to honor our armed forces.
“It is our goal to take our military appreciation program to the next level,” Quicken Loans National tournament director Mike Antolini said. “We want to honor members of our armed forces with on-site experiences that will create lasting memories for them and their families. The Quicken Loans National celebrates the things that matter most in American life: family, community, military appreciation and achievement. We are proud to appreciate their contributions to our country at the Quicken Loans National.”
The experience starts as guests enter the tournament grounds at TPC Potomac. Dedicated entry lanes for military ticket holders at the Main Entrance will expedite the entrance process. Once inside, Quicken Loans is providing all active duty and retired military members with an exclusive camouflage lanyard to wear during the tournament. This special lanyard will grant access to unique experiences throughout the tournament including dedicated concession lines at select locations and discounts on Quicken Loans National merchandise.
In addition to the camouflage lanyards, the Quicken Loans National will host a special experience for a military organization each day. The Heroes of the Day initiative will invite military support organizations to the tournament like never before. Guests will have access to the Heroes Suite on 18 green and will have the opportunity to take part in unique inside-the-ropes experiences as well.
While active, reserve, retired and National Guard members continue to receive complimentary military tickets to the Quicken Loans National, the tournament is proud to once again offer discounted tickets to military veterans. This year, the tournament increased its discount, giving veterans the opportunity to purchase grounds tickets to the Quicken Loans National at half price. Information on veteran tickets can be found HERE.
For the third year, Quicken Loans Shot for Heroes will be a main spectator attraction at the Quicken Loans National. Fans will be able to take their best swing to raise money for military charities and themselves on the driving range at TPC Potomac. Over its first two years, Quicken Loans and the Shot for Heroes activation has raised nearly $500,000 for military charities.
Since 2007, The National has partnered with Lockheed Martin to annually provide 30,000 complimentary tickets to members of the military. Military tickets are distributed at bases within 150 miles of the tournament and provide access to the tournament grounds and the Lockheed Martin Military Pavilion located on 16 green at TPC Potomac. The military pavilion is a climate-controlled venue for military ticket holders only that offers snacks, beverages and premier golf views. Information on redeeming complimentary military tickets can be found HERE.
Eighteen members of the military representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard will serve as starters on the No. 1 and No. 10 tees during tournament week. In addition, two military representatives will be stationed near 18 green during Sunday’s final round and will recognize the players as they complete their rounds.
During the Quicken Loans National Official Pro-Am on Wednesday, June 28, enlisted military personnel from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. will wear special camouflaged bibs and serve as caddies for PGA TOUR pros on the 16th hole. From Wednesday to Sunday, members of the military will serve as flagstick holders on 16 green. To further recognize our armed forces, an American Flag pin flag will be featured on 16 green, in front of the Lockheed Martin Military Pavilion.
The Military Heroes Wall is a cornerstone attraction at the Quicken Loans National. Donning flags and seals from each branch of the military, the Military Heroes Wall offers fans the opportunity to write their own message of thanks and appreciation to the men and women who are currently serving our country. New in 2017, on Friday, June 30, all fans will sign the wall in a red pen as a symbolic gesture to remember everyone deployed. Each year, PGA TOUR players sign the Military Heroes Wall on Wednesday of tournament week and following the trophy ceremony, the Quicken Loans National champion signs the final message.
The Quicken Loans National invites 120 of the top players on the PGA TOUR to compete for their share of a $7.1 million purse. This year, the tournament moves to TPC Potomac, in Potomac, Md., for the first time in the event’s 11-year history. The Quicken Loans National is operated by TGR Live and raises funds and awareness for the Tiger Woods Foundation while paying tribute to our armed forces.
