2 minute read
Giving Game
from Kingdom 55
HONOR & EDUCATE
As a golf experience, American Dunes Golf Club is a great day out; as a source of true inspiration, it is far more than that
The Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Grand Haven, Michigan, is only part of the story here, where Lt Col Dan Rooney’s vision for a club that commemorates the birthplace of Folds of Honor and deeply honors American Veterans came to life just over a year ago. Benefiting Rooney’s Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to the dependents of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces, American Dunes uses its beautiful landscape and the social nature of golf to tell the stories of those willing to pay the ultimate price. Now, a new Wall of Honor is being created to help tell those stories, providing a lasting way to honor heroes and reminding us all that freedom isn’t free.
Photo: Nile Young Lt. Col. Dan Rooney and Jack Nicklaus
“Nothing like this has ever been done in golf,” Rooney said upon announcing the Wall of Honor. “The impetus came from people playing American Dunes or just hearing about it. We received calls asking, ‘How do I get involved?’” For $313 with a yearly renewal, an 8”x 2” plaque will be created to honor a hero in their lives, with all money going towards a goal of raising $1 million for scholarships. The plaques will be engraved with the names of those honored and then installed on the Wall, and replica plaques will be sent to the donors as well. The Wall of Honor is viewable upon arrival to American Dunes, and it can be seen from No. 18 green—it is an integral part of the golf club and a strong part of the experience of American Dunes.
That experience also includes golf, of course, on a stunning track that offers a “sandhills” type of round just off the coast of Lake Michigan. Pros and high handicappers alike should have a special day here, made all the greater by the knowledge that 100% of the profits from their round will go to Folds of Honor Foundation, named for the 13 folds it takes to fold the American flag into its triangle shape. Nicklaus waived his $3 million design fee for the project, a touching statement that underlines the importance of American Dunes’ mission to “Honor their sacrifice. Educate their legacy.” With discounts for Veterans and active military, and a fantastic golf experience for everyone, playing at American Dunes is a purposeful part of the golfing landscape and a great way to make a difference.
FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION
Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 35,000 scholarships totaling more than $160 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 41 percent are minorities. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on GuideStar.
FOLDSOFHONOR.ORG
