PHOENIX, Ariz. (December 26, 2016) – Golf fans attending this week’s Patriot All-America Invitational can win tickets to the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open courtesy of the tournament host Thunderbirds. The Patriot All-America Invitational, featuring top collegiate golfers from around the world, will be played December 29th – 31st at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Ariz. and is free for fans to attend.
The Thunderbirds, dressed in their navy-blue tunics, will be volunteering at The Patriot All-America Invitational by announcing the collegiate golfers on the 1st and 18th holes. Fans interested in winning tickets to the 2017 WM Phoenix Open should approach a Thunderbird at The Patriot All-America and ask how they can win tournament tickets. The Thunderbird will then ask a simple golf trivia question and if answered correctly, the fan will win two Good Any Day tickets to the 2017 WM Phoenix Open. The number of WM Phoenix Open tickets to be given away at The Patriot All-America is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Featuring golf’s stars of tomorrow, The Patriot All-America Invitational is regarded as a top amateur event nationally. Current PGA TOUR stars who have played in The Patriot All-America during their college careers, include: 2015 WM Phoenix Open champion Brooks Koepka (2011), Trey Mullinax (2011), Patrick Rodgers (2011), Justin Thomas (2011), Daniel Berger (2012), Brandon Hagy (2012), Ollie Schniederjans (2012), Richy Werenski (2012), Bryson DeChambeau (2013) and JT Poston (2014).
A field of 84 PING All-America golfers from all three NCAA Divisions, NAIA and NJCAA rankings as well as from universities outside the United States will compete in a 54-hole, stroke-play competition on The Wigwam’s famed Gold Course. Competitive rounds for the 2016 Patriot All-America will be played December 29, 30 and 31with a champion crowned at approximately 4 PM on New Year’s Eve. The event is free for fans to attend with food and beverage options available through the West Valley Mavericks, Nibblers Catering and The Wigwam Resort.
The Arizona Golf Association (AGA), JDM Partners and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) partner with the Folds of Honor Foundation to host the 6th annual tournament. The tournament continues to receive tremendous community support by a variety of local businesses and organizations including The Thunderbirds, host organization of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the West Valley Mavericks civic group. The Patriot All-America is sponsored by the following companies and individuals: Pyramid Hotels, the City of Litchfield Park, Nike, Mike Kennedy, PING, Breakthru Beverage, Lockheed Martin, the Fiesta Bowl, Porsche, Titleist, Trademark, Fighter Country Partnership, 2nd Guy Golf, PSAV, Old Pueblo Restaurant, Antigua, Footjoy, Action Golf Carts, Wilbur-Ellis, Avondale Toyota, Fry’s Food Stores, Wigwam Country Club, the Air Capital Classic, Ed Olsen, Outfront Media and Abrazo West.
About The Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. In 2016 The Thunderbirds raised a record $9,369,873 million for charity and have eclipsed $111 million in charitable giving since their inception in 1932. For more information on The Thunderbirds or the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, call the Thunderbirds office at (602)870-0163 or visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.
About Wigwam Golf Club
The Wigwam’s three 18-hole championship golf courses offer a diversity that cannot be matched by any other Arizona resort. Here, the golf enthusiast has their pick of not just one or two courses, but three 18-hole courses – 54 holes of championship golf including two courses designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. And, in true Wigwam style, each course – The Gold, Patriot, which just celebrated their 50th anniversaries, and Heritage – offers a unique challenge that adds spice and variety to one’s stay at this timeless and relaxing retreat. In December 2009, The Wigwam (including the golf courses and resort property) was purchased by JDM Partners, led by sports icon Jerry Colangelo.
The Gold Course has hosted many signature tournaments over the years, including numerous U.S. Open Qualifiers, U.S. Amateur Qualifiers, several NCAA Regional Championships and the annual Patriot All-America Invitational, one of the top amateur competitions in the world. The 7,430 yard, par 72 course has also received various industry awards and accolades since opening in 1965, including being named one of the “Top 100 Golf Courses in America.” For more information, please visit www.wigwamgolf.com.
About Arizona Golf Association
The Arizona Golf Association has been serving amateur golfers in Arizona since 1923 when it held the first State Amateur Championship. Today, it is licensed by the United States Golf Association to provide handicapping and course rating services to member clubs, to provide tournament and rules expertise and to oversee the application of amateur status.
About Golf Coaches Association of America
Established in 1958, the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) is the professional organization of golf coaches. The GCAA’s mission is to support its member coaches by creating educational opportunities, providing resources, and promoting its members with the purpose of enhancing their overall performance as coaches, mentors, and teachers. The GCAA also recognizes the excellence and achievements of its members and their student-athletes in academic, athletic and civic endeavors.