A National Guardsman who manned the flag stick on the 18th green could only shake his head in awe the past two Championship Sundays of the PGA Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
Ronnie Floyd of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office as well as Vietnam veteran Warren Hall and many others had the same reaction.
Which is why the Honoring Our Heroes program presented by N Route Enterprises is returning again to the PCCC, set for July 26-29 at Highland Springs Country Club. Those who would like to throw their support to the effort should call 417-887-3400.
Not only will the tournament aid 49 Ozarks children’s charities, but a sponsorship of the Honoring Our Heroes program also allows for free admission – as well as free food and beverages – to retired and current military, law enforcement and first responders and their immediate families.
They’ll also have a terrific view of future PGA Tour standouts, thanks to a patriotic tent near the 18th green. (Tickets are at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.)
“I think it’s nice that they are showing appreciation to those who serve, and we appreciate those who are doing that,” Hall told the tournament after last year. He served in Vietnam for 11 months and 10 days. “As a Vietnam veteran, we probably appreciate it even more.”
The program ties in with the tournament’s 2018 theme, United Fore Kids * Charity * Community * PGA Web.com Tour. The tournament also will have Honor Guards march the U.S. and Missouri flags to the No. 1 tee box at 7 a.m. each day. Additionally, members of the Army National Guard will man the flag stick on the 18th green on Championship Sunday.
Keith Murphy of the Army National Guard and three other Guardsmen have manned the 18th hole each of the past two years on Sundays as well. Last year, Murphy was all smiles.
“There are a lot of people who sacrifice their lives, so this is a great honor,” Murphy said. “All the people who honored us are overwhelming.”
Floyd has lined up four Honor Guards. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled Thursday, followed by the Springfield Police Department, the Missouri Highway Patrol and then the National Guard.
Said Floyd, “Having support for the tent, it goes a long way. It makes it seem like people appreciate the job that you do.”