“Patriot Golf Day is a celebration of what has taken place over decades of the history of The PGA of America,” said Steranka, who traced The PGA’s historic connection to the military back to World War I, when PGA members raised funds to provide an ambulance to support the troops. “This year, we will cross over $10 million raised for the Folds of Honor Foundation through Patriot Golf Day, which has provided more than 2,000 scholarships for the families of military veterans, and The PGA of America is delighted to take part.”
“I am so incredibly proud of what The PGA of America and PGA Village have accomplished to bring awareness and honor to the brave men and women who have served so honorably in our United States Military,” said Bob Baldassari, PGA senior director for player development, and emcee of Patriot Golf Day festivities at PGA Village since the launch of the charity event in 2007. “For those who perished in the fight to protect our freedoms and gave the ultimate sacrifice, this is why we work so hard each year to make Patriot Golf Day such a great success.”

Maj. Pulido gave an inspiring speech of what the day means to our nation’s heroes. “How great it is to stand in front of you so honored and humbled,” said Pulido. “PGA Professional Maj. Dan Rooney, my leader and friend—and the Founder of Patriot Golf Day—taught me the importance of honoring men and women in uniform, past, present and future, and we are so humbled by the incredible support of the 27,000 men and women of The PGA of America and the role they play in providing for the families of wounded and killed military veterans.”

Each year, Patriot Golf Day offers a new twist, and this year featured the first-ever Patriot Golf Day charity concert, which PGA Village hosted on Friday night at nearby Digital Domain Park, the spring training home of the New York Mets. The headline act was national recording artist Ricochet, which had a No. 1 hit in the 1990s with “Daddy’s Money” and featured Dwayne Dupuy—a PGA Professional for Dick’s Sporting Goods in Nashville—on keyboards, vocals, drums and trumpet. “My two passions are music and golf,” explains Dupuy, who performs in approximately 60 shows a year nationwide. “As I got older in the music industry, I wanted to try a new option and career, and I thought about how awesome it would be to become a PGA Professional.  And to play a Patriot Golf Day concert right down the street from where I take my check points [a multi-year series of benchmark requirements for PGA membership that are administered at the nearby PGA Education Center], I couldn’t be more proud.”

The concert also featured performances by local band Boss Groove and the Avenue D Choir. Meanwhile, a special flyover by a WWII-era squadron plane kicked off the annual opening ceremonies, which featured speeches by Steranka, Maj. Pulido, Rep. Tom Rooney and State Rep. Gayle Harrell. “It is important that we remember everyone that keeps up safe and free,” said Rep. Rooney, who serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
On Saturday, the traditional John Shimkonis Memorial Medal Golf Tournament at PGA Golf Club was held in honor of the first PGA Professional to sacrifice his life while serving his country, hosted a field of more than 100 participants. Other weekend events included: Charitable Flag Day and Point Quota golf tournaments; 10-minute golf lessons in exchange for donations to the Folds of Honor Foundation at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance; a blood drive on The Big Red Bus; and family golf events.
Meanwhile, back at Digital Domain Park, the St. Lucie Mets auctioned off red, white and blue Patriot Golf Day jerseys that featured insignias from The PGA, Patriot Golf Day and the Florida Air National Guard. The uniforms were worn by members of Ricochet and by St. Lucie Mets players during a doubleheader. The jerseys were then autographed and auctioned off to fans, raising additional funds for the cause. An impressive fireworks display capped off the evening.
“What a great day to be American!” declared Pulido.

There will be also ceremonies featuring Grand Marshals PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka and Folds of Honor Foundation vice president Maj. Ed Pulido – who earned a purple heart after losing his leg while serving in Iraq. U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney and Florida State Rep. Gayle Harrell are also scheduled to speak. The night will kick off with family golf activities beginning at 6 p.m. Individual concert tickets are available for $15 for the lower bowl; and $12 for the upper bowl. As a special gift to the community, kids 17 and under will be admitted to the concert for free with a paying adult. Concert tickets only are available at the Digital Domain Box Office at 772-871-2115.

Fellow Purple Heart recipient Staff Sgt. Trevor Glanville and his wife Folds of Honor Scholarship beneficiary Lorna McRae Glanville, of Port St. Lucie, will be honored as part of the celebration. Lorna received the scholarship after her husband returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq with serious injuries to his brain and foot. Glanville is using the funds to help pay tuition for classes via the University of Phoenix online, as she tends to her husband at home.

“Each year we pay homage to true American heroes at PGA Village,” said Bob Baldassari, PGA senior director of Player Development Programs, for The PGA of America. “As we celebrate five years of Patriot Golf Day, we will once again raise funds for the families of those who have given everything. We invite everyone out to PGA Golf Club and to Digital Domain Park for the charity concert to make a difference for our troops and their loved ones.”

“The scholarship means everything to me, as before I ever received a Folds of Honor Scholarship, I was dropped twice from school because of the cost,” said Lorna McRae Glanville, who is pursuing a degree in Psychology. “When I got the scholarship letter, I was so elated that I must have jumped up and down and yelled, ‘Yes!’ at least ten times.”

On Sat., Sept. 3, Patriot Golf Day festivities move to PGA Golf Club, for the annual parade and Opening Ceremonies, as well as the John Shimkonis Memorial Medal Golf Tournament to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, BBQ lunch and prizes at PGA Golf Club. That evening, Patriot Golf Day celebrations will then move back to Digital Domain Park for a St. Lucie Mets game at 7 p.m., followed by post-game fireworks. Both the players and Ricochet band members will wear special Patriot Golf Day uniforms that the Mets will autograph and auction off throughout the weekend to raise money for the Folds of Honor Foundation.

The charity golf event is $125 and is part of a package that includes tickets to the concert, 18 holes at PGA Golf Club, BBQ lunch, prizes, St. Lucie Mets game ticket and Folds of Honor Foundation donation. In appreciation of their service, both Active and Retired Military members will pay a special $65 rate. To reserve your Patriot Golf Day Weekend Package, call 800-800-GOLF (4653).

The nearby PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance will offer free 10-minute golf lessons on Sat. Sept. 3 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., with a $10 donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation. A virtual closest-to-the-pin contest on the Sirgul Golf Simulator will also take place as a fund-raiser, with a chance to win Callaway fairway woods. The Big Red Bus will be on hand for blood donors from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and there will be a charity raffle throughout the weekend to win a Callaway Octane Driver. Meanwhile, the PGA Museum of Golf will showcase a new special exhibit that pays tribute to the first five years of Patriot Golf Day, with free admission.

A charity Flag Day Tournament will follow at PGA Golf Club on Sun., Sept. 4; and an Individual Point Quota tournament will be conducted on Mon. Sept. 5. Both events will feature a closest to the pin contest on all par-3 holes.

For tee times, reservations and information about Patriot Golf Day Weekend, please call 800-800-GOLF (4653) or visit www.pgavillage.com/stlucie. Both PGA Village and Digital Domain Park are located off of I-95, Exit #121 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Patriot Golf Day Events:
Fri., Sept. 2 7 p.m. Patriot Golf Day Charity Concert and Opening Ceremonies
with Country Music Superstars Ricochet, Local Favorites Boss Groove
and the Avenue D Boys Choir, plus family golf activities – Digital Domain Park, Port St. Lucie
$15 Lower/$12 Upper/Kids 3 and Under – Free 772-871-2115

Sat., Sept. 3 8 a.m. 5^th Annual Parade, Ceremonies, Charity Golf – PGA Golf Club
Grand Marshals – PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka
Maj. Ed Pulido, VP Folds of Honor Foundation, Purple Heart Recipient
Golf, Concert, BBQ Lunch, Mets Game Pkg. – $125 Parade – Free
(800) 800-GOLF (4653) www.pgavillage.com/stlucie

Sat., Sept. 3 9 a.m. 10-Minute Golf Lessons with $10 Donation, Closest-to-the-Pin Contest, Raffle
and Blood Drive
PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance

Sat., Sept. 3 4 p.m. St. Lucie Mets vs. Palm Beach Cardinals (DH) with post-game fireworks
Mets players will autograph and auction special Patriot Golf Day Jerseys -
Digital Domain Park (Ticket included in Concert, Golf, Baseball package)
800-800-GOLF for package; (772) 871-2115 for individual tickets

Sun., Sept. 4 All Day Charity Flag Day Tournament – PGA Golf Club – (800) 800-GOLF for details

Mon., Sept. 5 All Day Point Quota Tournament – PGA Golf Club – (800) 800-GOLF for details

Fri-Sun, Sept 2-4 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Patriot Golf Day Exhibit – PGA Museum of Golf – Free

About The PGA Golf Club:

The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class courses at the PGA Golf Club,
at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,”
PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and
PGA Museum of Golf. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, complete with a Private Members Club, and also serves as the home club for our 27,000 PGA Professionals.
For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America:

Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

About Patriot Golf Day:

The Folds of Honor Foundation’s primary fundraiser is Patriot Golf Day, the largest grassroots golf platform in the country. With the support of The PGA of America and USGA, Patriot Golf Day has generated more than
$8.6 million from more than 4,200 golf courses in just four years.
Maj. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor, started Patriot Golf Day in 2007, by asking golfers to add $1 to their greens fees in support of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Since then, the concept has grown to include a number of supporters and fundraising efforts. In 2011, The PGA and USGA will continue to support the cause by encouraging their collective membership to participate and promote participation on a national scale through the airing of public service announcements during the PGA Championship and US Open.
Patriot Golf Day 2011 will again be held during the Labor Day weekend, September 2-5. If you are interested in joining our mission to empower the lives of these deserving military families with educational opportunities, please contact the Folds of Honor Foundation or sign up to participate at www.patriotgolfday.com

About The PGA Village Verano:

PGA Village Verano, is an all-inclusive, full-service, luxury resort-style community featuring Club Verano which offers first class facilities and amenities.  PGA Village Verano includes stunning championship golf at the nearby PGA Golf Club, and features spectacular views of the PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course.

Walter Hagen’s Driver; Dow Finsterwald’s Wanamaker Trophy; Dustin Johnson’s Scorecard;
War Relief Program from World War I Among Rare Memorabilia on Display

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The 93^rd PGA Championship is being celebrated at the PGA Museum of Golf, in Port St. Lucie, Fla., with a special exhibit that debuts Friday, July 29.

The featured display traces the storied history of the PGA Championship, which was first contested at Siwanoy Country Club, in Bronxville, N.Y., and won by Jim Barnes in 1916. The Championship was staged at the suggestion of department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, who also was instrumental in the founding of The PGA of America. Over the years, many of golf’s greatest names have captured the PGA Championship’s Wanamaker Trophy, including: Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Defending Champion Martin Kaymer.

Admission to the PGA Museum of Golf is free and open to the public. The Museum is currently open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fridays-Sundays.

The exhibit pays  tribute to the “Season’s Final Major, Glory’s Last Shot” and features extremely rare memorabilia, such as the actual driver used by Hagen in the 1920s en route to five PGA Championships (a record he shares with Nicklaus); a replica Wanamaker Trophy awarded to 1958 PGA Champion Dow Finsterwald;
Dustin Johnson’s controversial scorecard from 2010, which includes the eraser marks on his score on No. 18, following a two-shot penalty for grounding his club in a bunker on the 72^nd hole at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin; and a display of the four major Championship trophies in golf, including the actual Wanamaker Trophy, which is awarded annually to the PGA Champion.

The exhibit also features photographs from the Atlanta Athletic Club, site of the PGA Championship, Aug. 8-14, in Johns Creek, Ga.; and includes triumphs there by David Toms in 2001, and by this year’s PGA Distinguished Award honoree Larry Nelson, from 1981. Another photo highlights the 25^th Anniversary of Bob Tway’s famous hole-out birdie from a greenside bunker on the 72^nd hole to win the 1986 PGA Championship over Greg Norman at the Inverness Club, in Toledo, Ohio. A program from the 1917 War Relief Tournament will also be on display. The event was conducted as a fundraiser in place of the 2^nd PGA Championship, due to World War I.
“The PGA Museum of Golf carries a tradition of presenting one-of-a-kind memorabilia that showcases the proud 95-year history of The PGA of America and legends from the incredible drama that annually defines the PGA Championship,” said PGA President Allen Wronowski. “These rare artifacts trace the annals of golf and express why our game is so beloved by golf fans across the world.”
In conjunction with the exhibit, the Museum will conduct an on-site trivia contest with prizes of a hardbound copy of the “The PGA Championship: The Season’s Final Major” to the first 50 correct entries.

The PGA Museum of Golf has hosted several special exhibits in recent years including tributes to the Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, African-American Golf Pioneers and PGA Honorary Members.

Additional Museum attractions include a workbench used by legendary course architect Donald Ross circa 1900; a tribute to Walter Hagen that includes his original birth certificate; and a display honoring PGA member Horton Smith, winner of the first Masters in 1934.

The 2011 PGA Championship will be televised live by CBS Sports and TNT.  Tickets are available by calling 800-PGA-GOLF (800-742-4653) or visiting www.pga2011.com.

The PGA Museum of Golf is located in PGA Village, which is ranked among the “75 Best Golf Resorts” by Golf Digest, and also encompasses the PGA Golf Club’s 54 holes of Championship golf by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye; and the adjacent PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance, a state-of-the-art, 35-acre golf learning, instruction, fitness and technology facility.

About PGA Village:

The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class courses at the PGA Golf Club, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,”PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and the PGA Museum of Golf. PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, complete with a Private Members Club, and also serves as the home club for our 27,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America:

Celebrating its 95^th year, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission of its founders: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in a multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

Residents gather at the Verano club house for a Holiday celebration

Even the threat of an afternoon thunderstorm couldn’t keep the PGA Village Verano residents away from the July 4 pool party, as they gathered in the patio area of Club Verano, the community’s clubhouse beside the outdoor resort style pool.

Most of the residents turned out for the event, several of them bringing guests, where they renewed acquaintances with their Verano friends and in some cases, got to know neighbors a little bit better. Some of the residents discovered they had been teachers before coming to Verano and compared notes. Others talked golf—a popular topic at PGA Village Verano in Port St. Lucie, since homeowners at Verano have special resident-only access to their next door neighbor, the PGA Golf Club and its three enticing golf courses.

Golf, fitness, tennis and the two pools, including an indoor lap pool at Club Verano are important to the residents, but friendships are another reason for choosing the Kolter Homes community. Once at established in the community, the residents often find they have mutual interests.

“After I moved here I found out this is a very dog-friendly community,” said Angela Gardella, who is a volunteer with Dogs and Cats Forever rescue organization in Port St. Lucie. She was making the rounds, letting neighbors know about the group and the upcoming events to raise funds for the organization, including an Oct. 23 residents-only Dog Show in the grassy area next to Club Verano and the “Night at the Races” fundraiser Nov. 13 at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center.

The Fourth of July party is part of a monthly schedule of get-togethers for residents of PGA Village Verano, while other special events, such as the Amazing Verano Race, offers residents a chance to be part of a year-long event that earns points for participating in a variety of activities, with the winner receiving a cruise for two.

Those who want information about this interesting and lively group of residents should call 772-345-5041 or visitwww.VeranoFlorida.com.

Verano celebrates 4th of July

Most of the residents turned out for the event, several of them bringing guests, where they renewed acquaintances with their Verano friends and in some cases, got to know neighbors a little bit better. Some of the residents, such a Donna Tiveri and Mary Lou Flynn, discovered they had been teachers and compared notes, while others talked golf—a popular topic at PGA Village Verano, with the PGA Golf Club and its three enticing golf courses next door to the community.

Homeowners at PGA Village Verano have special resident-only access to PGA Golf Club, making the community’s next door neighbor one of the best reasons for deciding to move to the community. But friendships are another reason for choosing the Kolter Homes community, and PGA Village Verano in Port St. Lucie, Florida is attracting new residents from northern states as well as Canada. Once at established in the community, the residents often find they have mutual interests.

“After I moved here I found out this is a very dog-friendly community,” said Angela Gardella, who is a volunteer with Dogs and Cats Forever rescue organization in Port St. Lucie. She was making the rounds, letting neighbors know about the group and the upcoming events to raise funds for the organization, including an Oct. 23 residents-only Dog Show in the grassy area next to Club Verano and the “Night at the Races” fundraiser Nov. 13 at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center.

The camaraderie among the residents was evident during the event, with hugs, handshakes and back slaps as the neighbors greeted each other, but no one got a better reception than resident Bob Fromm, whose arrival was greeted with enthusiasm and an arms-up cheer from a table of his neighbors.

Christopher Dobek, club manager, was bartender for the afternoon event, and kept the refreshments flowing, while a picnic buffet offered in the adjacent fitness center was a definite hit with the residents and their guests. Activities director Christine Castellino circulated among the PGA  Village Verano residents, while she took photos of the event.

The Fourth of July party is part of a monthly schedule of get-togethers for residents of PGA Village Verano, while other special events, such as the Amazing Verano Race, offers residents a chance to be part of a year-long program that earns points for participating in a variety of activities,  with the winner receiving a cruise for two.

Those who want information about becoming a part of this interesting and lively group of residents should call1-800-680-8175 or visit www.VeranoFlorida.com.

Since PGA Village Verano kicked off The Amazing Verano Race in January, this yearlong series of parties, lifelong learning and social events has helped residents to interact, have fun, and make the most out of the amenities and services offered at PGA Village Verano.

This Scavenger Hunt event was just the first in a diverse schedule of activities that are sure to set PGA Village Verano apart from other communities in the area. One resident said, “It’s been great, getting to meet new neighbors and seeing the club in a new way. I’ve always enjoyed the social aspect of life at Verano, and this takes it to a wonderful new level.”

February’s events include Night Golf, where participants will play the short course in a stroke play format, and cooking classes with PGA Golf Club’s own Chef Ricardo Robinson. The interactive format will have participants engaged in the process and learning new skills, and of course, enjoying the fruits of their labor afterward.

While residents insist that the reward is in participating, there is a more tangible reward at stake- a complimentary deposit membership to PGA Golf Club. Not bad for a competition whose only requirement is to have a good time!

While there are fees associated with participation- the scavenger hunt cost members $20 in order to participate- the more they play, they more likely they are to win, making it more than worth their while to join in.

Fun in the sun, PGA golf, and plenty of friends and activities. That is life at PGA Village Verano.

Everyone is enjoying the social atmosphere at Verano

More than 80 residents attended the Kolter sponsored barbecue in the clubhouse at PGA Village Verano on April 26. 

What's a BBQ without a little rain?

 Even the heavy rains couldn’t dampen the party atmosphere and everyone had a great time.

The clubhouse was packed with residents old and new. Hot dogs, burgers and assorted drinks, decorations and service items were provided by Kolter, while residents brought their favorite dishes to pass potluck-style. The event started promptly at six p.m. and continued well in to the evening, with residents eating, drinking and making merry despite the storm raging outside.

New friendships were made and recipes exchanged over dinner, where many residents were overheard discussing their interest and excitement at the announcement that two new models will be available in the newly opened Phase II. The Bella Sera and Collina models are new to the Verano portfolio and sure to spark plenty of interest in potential new buyers. Residents reported that they are looking forward to seeing construction progress in Phase II, and anxious to meet the new friends and neighbors who will make such a welcome addition to the Verano community.

PGA Village Verano is one of the few new construction communities whose atmosphere echoes the welcoming neighborhood feel of an earlier era. From the Amazing Verano Race to the smaller events, parties, picnics and barbecues that go on all year long, Verano is reminding residents what it really means to be a neighbor, and the fun of all those “block parties” and neighborhood barbecues they grew up with. With its warm, welcoming people, access to PGA golf, its wide range of floor plans and luxurious high end finishes and amenities, all at affordable prices, it’s no wonder PGA Village Verano is one of the most popular communities in Port St. Lucie – and with Phase II now underway, it looks as though its popularity, like its friendships, is only going to grow.

Call or visit PGA Village Verano today to find out how you can get your own piece of the modern community with the timeless neighborhood feel – PGA Village Verano.

 On January 20, 2011 PGA Village Verano kicked off The Amazing Verano Race, a yearlong series of  parties, lifelong learning and social events designed to help residents interact, have fun, and make the most out of the amenities and services offered at PGA Village Verano.

 This Scavenger Hunt event was just the first in a diverse schedule of activities that are sure to set PGA Village Verano apart from other communities in the area. One resident said, “It’s been great, getting to meet new neighbors and seeing the club in a new way. I’ve always enjoyed the social aspect of life at Verano, and this takes it to a wonderful new level.”

 February’s events include Night Golf, where participants will play the short course in a stroke play format, and cooking classes with PGA Golf Club’s own Chef Ricardo Robinson. The interactive format will have participants engaged in the process and learning new skills, and of course, enjoying the fruits of their labor afterward.

 While residents insist that the reward is in participating, there is a more tangible reward at stake- a complimentary deposit membership to PGA Golf Club. Not bad for a competition whose only requirement is to have a good time!

 While there are fees associated with participation- the scavenger hunt cost members $20 in order to participate- the more they play, they more likely they are to win, making it more than worth their while to join in.

 Fun in the sun, PGA golf, and plenty of friends and activities. That is life at PGA Village Verano.