It’s time again for one of the most prestigious amateur events of this year.
The 12th Patriot All-America Invitational will be held at Wigwam Golf Club in Litchfield Park (Arizona), Dec. 29-31. This is the second year that there will be women on the field.
Ping All-Americans from previous seasons in NCAA Divisions I to III and NJCAA are featured as well as senior AJGA members from 2021 First Team All-America. A golfer must also be ranked highly enough in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
“We are eager to start this year’s Patriot All-America and we’re delighted to see the exponential growth in the women’s section,” stated Mark James, Luke Air Force Base. “Women are a key part of the U.S Armed Forces and we are happy to see them so well represented in this year’s tournament.”
84 and 66 men will each be working in the field . From 42, the women’s field has been expanded.
Participants golfers can recognize a fallen or injured military hero by carrying a commemorative Ping bag with the name and branch of the serviceman or lady. The bags are sold at the end of the event. Proceeds benefit Folds of Honor which provides scholarships funding to the families of military personnel and first responders who have been killed or disabled. Participants get to tour Luke Air Force Base.
Play begins Thursday as 54 holes of stroke play will be played by golfers to determine the champion.
The Thunderbolt will also be playing at the same time at Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club, Surprise, Arizona. It will include golfers who met the initial eligibility but didn’t make it to the Patriot.
