Frys.com Open to feature military appreciation activities  As part of the PGA TOUR's ongoing commitment to honor the brave men and women of our military and their families, the Frys.com Open will roll out the red carpet for U.S. troops during a week-long series of special patriotic activities conducted both inside and outside the ropes. This is part of the TOUR's long-standing partnership with the Department of Defense's America Supports You program -- a nationwide initiative that helps showcase Americans' support for our troops.  The first hole at TPC Summerlin (Craig/PGA TOUR) During the past two years, the PGA TOUR has raised more than $1.2 million through fundraising events held at clubs throughout the TOUR's TPC Network for military homefront groups that directly serve military personnel and their families . The Frys.com Open has invited thousands of active, retired and Reserve personnel from all five branches of the military and their families to enjoy the tournament free of charge at TPC Canyons on Thursday, Oct. 11 and Friday, Oct. 12, and at TPC Summerlin from Monday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct. 14. A variety of special services and activities will be offered for military throughout the tournament week, including a hospitality chalet on the 18th fairway at TPC Summerlin offering complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages for military guests, and a "Military Appreciation Day" celebration Saturday featuring a presentation of the colors by the Nellis Air Force Base Color Guard and a performance of the Nellis Air Force Base Men's Quartet. For a unique inside-the-ropes experience and personal access to the players , 12 elite military personnel from Nellis Air Force Base will have the opportunity to make player introductions in full military uniform on the first and 10th tees on Thursday and Friday, and on the first tee on Saturday and Sunday at TPC Summerlin. Hundreds of other active and reserve military personnel from Nellis Air Force Base will be supporting the tournament by volunteering their time as walking scorers, standard bearers, leaderboard coordinators, hospitality assistants and in other capacities throughout the tournament week. Demonstrating that giving back truly is the heart of the PGA TOUR, TOUR players Chris Riley and Ken Duke will provide a golf clinic and autograph session for Nellis Air Force Base children and young airmen on Tuesday, Oct. 9. In appreciation for their efforts, the base will be giving the players a rare aviation tour of the Thunderbird hangar, Thunderbird museum and the MQ1 Predator, an unmanned aerial vehicle used in combat overseas. Fans will have the opportunity to support the TOUR's military efforts by donating unwrapped toys for the children of Nellis Air Force Base military personnel, in partnership with Operation Warmheart -- a non-profit assistance fund for Nellis families. PODS storage units will be set up in the parking lots at TPC Summerlin on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the collection of toys. For tickets to the Frys.com Open or additional information on military appreciation activities scheduled to take place at the PGA TOUR's TPC Canyons and TPC Summerlin, please visit www.thefrysopen.com or call (702) 873-1010. |
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