MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- A fund-raising campaign for wounded American soldiers and their families that began two years ago at one golf course in suburban Mendata Heights has grown to at least 110 courses in 33 states.

On Sept. 7, the Friday before 9/11, Mendakota Country Club (CC) and other golf facilities will host Tee It Up for the Troops tournaments, while more than 100 others will raise donations in other ways for the campaign. The goal since 2005 has been to make the Friday prior to Sept. 11 a National Day of Golf in support of all who serve. Any golfer and any course can participate.

“We have asked golfers to contribute 10 percent above their green fees,” said “J.B.” Ball of Savage, who started Tee It Up for the Troops at Mendakota CC. “Out motto: ‘One day, 10 percent, change a life.’

“It’s phenomenal how this effort has ballooned in just two years,” he added. “The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) has joined us again, making Tee It Up for the Troops its designated charity since 2005, and a number of clubs around the country are holding events or accepting contributions, and simply sending in the donations.”

In Minnesota alone, Tee It Up for the Troops has grown to 10 events andmore than 20 golf courses.

In its first year, Mendakota CC and Tee It Up for the Troops raised $80,000 and dispersed it in the form of 26 scholarships around the country to the fallen and disabled, and their immediate families.

In the second year, seven golf courses across the country (one in Okinawa) held tournaments, and some 50 courses from Florida to California donated to a silent auction or in other ways. A $100,000 check was given to the Wounded Warrior Project, while other funds helped disabled veterans camps and golf carts were donated so that wounded vets could get from their cars to camp sites or boats.

This year, Ball anticipates generating more than $1 million, with proceeds divided between the Wounded Warrior Project, which assists the wounded on their steps to recovery; Fisher House, which provides housing for the families of hospitalized soldiers; and some of the approximate 250 America Supports You organizations.

“We already have commitments in excess of $500,000,” said Ball, whose son Tyler fought in the Army in Iraq. When he asked his son what he needed, Tyler responded, “I’m fine. Do something for the soldiers and their families back home.”

Tee It Up for the Troops was created to honor that request.

“We’ll do over $140,000 here locally. Two courses in California will both make $100,000 or more. On Oct. 12 there is a huge event at Lake of the Ozarks – Four Seasons Resort, where owner Peter Brown will have all three courses running events. It is a simple way for all of us to say ‘Thank you’ to those who serve. Make a tee time, golf, donate,” Ball said.

CMAA Executive Vice President Jim Singerling said the association is supporting Tee it Up for the Troops “to honor the commitment of those people who are out there representing the Armed Forces of the United States. No matter your political feelings, the troops deserve our support. And this is a way for the game of golf to also show its support. Every community has someone involved to some degree.”

Bridgestone Golf has become another major contributor to the effort, donating more than 25,000 golf balls for the golf events in the first two years, Ball said. The company has also contributed golf clubs which have been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, where the Army has set up driving ranges for the troops to relax from the danger and tension of the war.

Ball said an effort will be made to keep money raised in Idaho, or Florida, or Virginia within those states. “We want people to know what they raise will stay in their own backyard. We want them to have an impact in their own area,” he said.

Ball said a number of celebrities have joined the cause. Each year, President George H.W. Bush has taped a welcoming video for all the event sites. In Minneapolis alone, Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Paul Molitor, Minnesota North Stars great Lou Nanne; best-selling author Vince Flynn; golf artist Loyal H. “Bud” Chapman; college football Hall-of-Famer Jeff Siemon; Minnesota Vikings great offensive lineman Randall McDaniel; and others are participating.

“But the real celebrities,” said Ball, “are the troops, and those from Walter Reed Army Medical Center who are flown in to play with us for the event. We will have three double-amputees playing this year in Minnesota. They are the true celebrities.”

The National Day of Golf will be on Sept. 5 in 2008 and Sept. 11 in 2009.

CONTACT
Jim Ball
(612) 801-8968
jamesjbball@msn.com

Mark Leslie
(207) 933-6708
gripfast@adelphia.net