Aug. 30 -- PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. - The PGA Golf Club and PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., celebrated their official grand reopening (following a closure due to Tropical Storm Fay) with a moving ceremony that kicked off the 2nd Annual Patriot Golf Day Weekend on Sat. Aug. 30.

"Today, we are proud to host Patriot Golf Day events at more than 4,000 golf courses nationwide," said Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of The PGA of America, as he addressed the patriotic crowd of more than 200.

"And we are delighted to raise proceeds for the Folds of Honor Foundation in support of the families of our nation's bravest heroes." The Folds of Honor Foundation provides academic scholarships to the families of those military veterans who have become disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty.

Once again, the PGA Golf Club was a big supporter of Patriot Golf Day - with speakers, activities and a large contribution to the Folds of Honor Foundation. (Photo: The PGA of America)

In 2007, the inaugural Patriot Golf Day, which was founded by PGA Professional Maj. Dan Rooney, a fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, who will return to Iraq for his third tour of the duty this Fall, raised more than $1 million to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships to the families of those military veterans who either lost their lives or were wounded while in the line of duty. On the eve of Patriot Golf Day 2008, Maj. Rooney was named ABC News' "Person of the Week" for his remarkable efforts. The PGA of America has led a number of Allied Associations from the golf industry that have spearheaded the campaign from coast-to-coast.

"It is a true honor to pay tribute today to the people who not have only served us and made tremendous sacrifices, but for those who, as we speak, are out on the front line in Iraq and abroad," added U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney.

Meanwhile, Folds of Honor Foundation Executive Director Ret. Maj. Ed Pulido, who lost his leg while serving in combat in Iraq in 2004, stirred the crowd with an emotional story of how an explosive changed his life forever. Stretched out along a 125-degree Iraqi highway and fearing for his life, he heard the words that he will never forget, "Hey Major, it doesn't look too good."

"Please excuse me if I cry," said Ret. Maj. Pulido, as he addressed the crowd.. "These events are very emotional to me after everything I've been through. I am so grateful for what everyone is doing for the Folds of Honor Foundation and my fellow veterans on Patriot Golf Day nationwide. When I was going through rehabilitation from losing a leg, one of the things that kept me going were you, my fellow Americans, who have supported me and the American Military through it all. It does make a difference."

"While recuperating, Ret. Maj. Pulido was paid a visit by Gen. Peter Pace, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Pace spoke words that have inspired Pulido ever since. "Ed, you didn't lose a leg, you sacrificed a limb for freedom and the United States of America."

PGA Village General Manager Bob Baldassari, PGA rallied his team to get both the PGA Golf Club and PGA Learning Center open in time for the Opening Ceremonies, after the facility received 14 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Fay. The Wanamaker Course, which was closed for nearly two weeks due to the storm, came back on line one day prior. "Thanks to heroes, and I mean that only in the golf sense, we are privileged to host Patriot Golf Day at PGA Golf Club for such a wonderful cause in the Folds of Honor Foundation. And as Maj. Rooney said on ABC News last night, 'Your country needs you this weekend. So, don't cut the lawn, and go play golf.'"

Following a parade and processional down Perfect Drive to the PGA Golf Club clubhouse, the day began with the pageantry of a color guard, U.S. Coast Guard Amphibious Vehicle, M-1 rifles from World War II, and two volleys for what is now a Patriot Golf Day tradition at the PGA Golf Club - the "21 Golf Ball Salute." Additional performances were provided by the Avenue D Boys Choir, a bagpiper who served in the British Royal Army and the Centennial High School Band. Meanwhile, America flags waved throughout, while each flag stick on the course was adorned with "Old Glory" as well.

Port St. Lucie Mayor Patricia Christensen added to the patriotic theme. "Two of my sons have served in the Air Force, and from a mother's perspective, it warms my heart that The PGA of America and the Folds of Honor Foundation are helping the families of those who have sacrificed for their country."

In addition to the Opening Ceremonies, the Patriot Golf Day Weekend activities were also highlighted by the John Shimkonis Memorial Medal Tournament, named in honor of the first PGA Professional to give his life while fighting for his country during WWII in June 1943. The golf fund-raiser was one of a host of events that served as a benefit for the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Meanwhile, a Family Event at the PGA Learning Center offered complimentary 10-minute golf lessons; club fitting; a demonstration of special golf fitness exercises; bids on a silent auction for a limited edition Patriot Golf Day Driver by TaylorMade; and attempts to sink the "Impossible Putt" for prizes in exchange for a $5 donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Below are additional events that are scheduled throughout Patriot Golf Day Weekend at PGA Golf Club:

Family Fun Day: PGA Golf Club -- Sun. Aug. 31 - 3 p.m.-6 p.m. On our 6-hole short course, we will stage a Family Skills Challenge with a putting contest and a "Big Break-style" glass breaking challenge. While no fee will be charged for the family event, we will accept donations for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Registration will be made on a first-come, first-served basis at a table located adjacent to the PGA Learning Center's clock tower.

Flag Day Tournament: PGA Golf Club -- Labor Day - All day long Come celebrate the traditional end of summer by playing in the PGA Golf Club's 18-hole, tee times Flag Day event. Each participant that donates $5 to the Folds of Honor Foundation will receive a small American flag. When the player reaches the point on the golf course when their score reflects par plus their handicap, they will plant their flag. If a player finishes the round and still has not exceeded this score, they will continue playing until they reach that total. The competitor whose flag is planted the furthest wins. Golf fees will be set at a special Monday rate (rather than the holiday rate).

Please call 800-800-GOLF (4653) or visit www.pgavillage.com for tee times, reservations and to participate. The PGA Golf Club and PGA Learning Center are located off of I-95 Exit #121.

About PGA Village

The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class public 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" for 2007-08, PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Learning Center golf park and PGA Historical Center golf museum. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier daily fee facilities in America, and to serve as a home club for our 28,000 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 $76 billion 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

Patriot Golf Day, the primary fund-raiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, was created by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Okla. On September 1, 2007 thousands of golfers across the nation added $1 to their greens fees or made a donation at their golf club in support of this inaugural event. More than $1.1 million was raised to support the families of veterans who have been injured or perished in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.

This year, Patriot Golf Day will take place during the extended Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29 - Sept. 1) with Rooney once again at the front to lead the mission before he reports for his third tour of duty in Iraq as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association and has also garnered tremendous support from many of the country's leading golf television personalities, manufacturers, media outlets and organizations.