AT&T National's mission: Honor, entertain U.S. armed forces
 
Jun. 26, 2007

BETHESDA, Md. - Thousands of men and women serving in the U.S. Military are expected to be in attendance all week at the AT&T National, hosted by Tiger Woods July 3-8, with numerous festivities involving military personnel as part of the tournament's commitment to honoring and supporting the U.S. Armed Forces.

Highlights include the military participation in the July 4 Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am -- named after Woods' father, a Lieutenant Colonel Green Beret with Special Forces in Vietnam -- and a special ceremonial first shot featuring Tiger Woods and America's 41st President George H.W. Bush. Military activities for the AT&T National were coordinated by the Tiger Woods Foundation and America Supports You.

"It's very important to me that this tournament honor the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces," Tiger Woods said. "They put their lives on the line so that we are able to enjoy our freedom, and we'd love for them to come out and enjoy a few days of relaxation."

TUESDAY

On Tuesday, July 3, PGA TOUR players Tom Pernice, Jr, Frank Lickliter II, Jerry Kelly, Jason Gore and Stephen Marino and NCAA champion Jamie Lovemark will conduct a golf clinic for military personnel and their families at 6:30 p.m. at Fort Belvoir Golf Course. Local PGA professionals will give free lessons to young people following the clinic. The exhibition is open to the public.

A private pairings party held in advance of the Earl Woods Pro-Am will feature the National Concert Band of America, which will play patriotic and service melodies throughout the evening. Founded in 1974 by former members of the great military bands of our nation (United States Marine Band, United States Navy Band, United States Army Band and United States Air Force Band), the National Concert Band of America maintains the traditions of the American concert band through acclaimed performances of the historic band repertoire.

WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m., Tiger Woods is scheduled to tee off with AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson; Sergeant Major Mia Kelly, Fort Belvoir; and Master Sergeant Andy Amor, Andrews Air Force Base, in the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am.

At approximately 10:45 a.m., the AT&T National will present a special opening ceremony celebration on the 1st tee, that will include a performance of the National Anthem by Specialist Vicki Golding (Arlington, Va.) of the 257th Army Band, D.C. National Guard; performances by the U.S. Air Force Drill Team, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band; presentation of the colors by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard; a 60-foot American flag held by soldiers from Fort Belvoir; and a military fly-over by the Army's OH-58 and UH-1 Huey helicopters.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., tournament host Tiger Woods will welcome America's 41st president, George H.W. Bush, who will hit the ceremonial first shot from the first tee of Congressional's famed Blue Course to commemorate the official start of the tournament.

Also on Wednesday, 52 non-uniformed active military personnel will caddie for participating PGA TOUR players on the seventh hole during the Pro-Am. The volunteer military caddies will consist of soldiers from the Naval Academy, Fort Belvoir and Andrews Air Force Base, as well as Green Berets from Fort Bragg.

Wounded soldiers from Walter Reed Army and Bethesda Naval Hospitals will serve as special guests of the AT&T National beginning Wednesday and throughout tournament week. While on course, all wounded soldiers will be provided with special accommodations and hospitality along with dedicated hosts.

During the tournament, 22 local military personnel representing five branches of the military have been selected to provide player introductions on the 1st and 10th tees from Wednesday through Friday, and on the 1st tee during the Saturday and Sunday rounds. Also throughout the week, attending military personnel will be treated to a variety of special accommodations and hospitality opportunities, including a seating gallery designated for military personnel only and a dedicated concessions stand near the 16th green offering discounts with military IDs.

THURSDAY -- SUNDAY

In addition to the distribution of 30,000 (5,000 per day) complimentary tickets to active U.S. Military, military personnel will also enjoy a special seating gallery (capacity 300) and dedicated concessions that will offer discounts with valid military ID near the 16th green.

Fans attending the AT&T National will have the opportunity to show their support for U.S. troops by writing messages of encouragement and appreciation on special postcards that will be handed out on shuttle buses. In all, 75,000 postcards are being produced for the tournament. Once completed and collected at a special tent near the entrance to the tournament, the postcards will be distributed by America Supports You homefront groups to military personnel stationed around the world.

The $6 million AT&T National features a winner's check of $1.08 million and will be televised by GOLF CHANNEL during the initial two rounds and by CBS during the final two rounds on the weekend.