SCREAMING EAGLE PRO-AM FOR FT. CAMPBELL KIDS AND SOLDIERS
Gaylord Entertainment and Tenn. Golf Foundation team up for benefit tournament
NASHVILLE, Tennessee—Children of the Fort Campbell Screaming Eagles and wounded soldiers will be the beneficiaries of the third Screaming Eagle Pro-Am to be held June 28, 2008, at Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville, Tenn. Approximately 100 children from Screaming Eagle families will be introduced to the sport of golf as they enjoy a week’s stay at the Tennessee Junior PGA Golf Academy made possible by the tournament being presented by the Tennessee Golf Foundation (a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization) and Gaylord Entertainment Company. Proceeds from the third Screaming Eagles Pro-Am will also support the creation of a new “Wounded Warriors” program which will provide golf as a means of physical therapy and recreation for wounded Fort Campbell soldiers returning from duty who want to return to their favorite game.
Gaylord Entertainment Chairman and CEO Colin Reed is the honorary tournament chairman, and Lou Graham, who is a veteran, and also 1975 U.S. Open Champion is the honorary golf chairman.
“When we learned about this remarkable program we jumped at the chance to become involved,” said Colin Reed. “As a corporation with a Tennessee headquarters, we are especially proud of our Screaming Eagles from nearby Fort Campbell. We regularly provide special opportunities for military personnel at Gaylord properties and the Grand Ole Opry, but this is a new occasion to reach out to the Fort Campbell community through the well established and respected Tennessee Golf Foundation with our Gaylord Springs Golf Links as the perfect gathering point.”
The proceeds of this event will be used to send 96 Ft. Campbell children – boys and girls, ages 11 to 17 – to a one-week session of the Tennessee PGA Junior Golf Academy at Golf House Tennessee in Franklin. All the children will attend at no cost to the soldiers’ families. One week of camp for 48 children in 2008 and 2009 will be provided.
“The children who will benefit from the Screaming Eagle Pro-am will enjoy a week of lessons and fun as well as learn a set of positive values and traditions that may stay with them for the balance of their lives,” explained Dick Horton, president, Tennessee Golf Foundation. “This year we will also begin an exciting new program with the funds raised which will support soldiers who received severe injuries, enabling them to get back into golf, despite their new physical challenges.”
This is the third Screaming Eagle Pro-Am; in 2004 and 2006 it was hosted by the Clarksville Country Club.
“My experience there was awesome. All the teachers and staff there at the golf house were very helpful and nice. I really wanted to attend last year but my dad was deployed to Iraq and I just didn't feel right getting to play golf when he couldn't. That is kind of me and my dad’s thing; we play together and he gives me tips and pointers, he is a really good golfer. He is back now and I look forward to attending this year if I am given the opportunity,” Taylor Vick, 13 year old Tennessee Junior PGA Golf Academy student.
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) of Fort Campbell is an air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles,” the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation on Aug. 15, 1942.
The format for the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am is as follows:
§ Teams consist of a golf professional, a Ft. Campbell soldier and two amateur participants.
§ An exciting team format of play will allow all players on each team an enjoyable day.
§ This very special event will be limited to just 25 teams.
§ All teams will be treated to tickets to a reception and the Grand Ole Opry Soldiers Tribute following the tournament.
§ All sponsorship packages include hole and scoreboard sponsorship recognition, team photo and favors, soldiers tribute brunch, prizes, Grand Ole Opry tickets for each player and their guest, and a cocktail reception before the 6:30 Opry performance
§ All Pro-Am players will receive an invitation for a fall “Play Day” at Ft. Campbell’s Cole Park Golf Course. This special day will include lunch and a casual round of golf at the challenging Cole Park course.
Playing Sponsor: Playing sponsorship includes two playing spots in the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am and four tickets to The Grand Ole Opry Soldiers Tribute. ($2,500 each or $5000 for a 2-person team)
Range Sponsor: Includes two playing spots in the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am, recognition signs at the range areas, a patron sponsor special commemorative gift and 8 tickets to The Grand Ole Opry Show. ($7500)
Practice Green Sponsor: Includes two playing spots in the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am, recognition signs at the practice green areas, a patron sponsor special commemorative gift and eight tickets to The Grand Ole Opry Show. ($7500)
Cart Sponsor: Includes two playing spots in the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am, recognition signs on all golf carts, a patron sponsor special commemorative gift and 8 tickets to The Grand Ole Opry Show. ($7500)
Soldiers’ Tribute Brunch or Grand Ole Opry Reception Sponsor: Includes two playing spots in the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am, recognition signs at the Soldiers Tribute Brunch, two patron sponsor special commemorative gifts and 12 tickets to The Grand Ole Opry Show. ($10,000)
Special Supporting Sponsors: All gifts to support the Screaming Eagle Pro-Am are appreciated. In addition to the pro-am, contributions can be designated specifically for Ft. Campbell junior golf camp scholarships to the Tennessee PGA Junior Golf Academy or specifically for the “Wounded Warriors” efforts for Ft. Campbell soldiers and families. All gifts are fully tax deductible.
