Nicklaus Headlines Invitational Event at BIGHORN Golf Club to Benefit Wounded Veterans
PALM DESERT, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2009) –Jack Nicklaus is topping a significant donation from his design firm with a personal appearance next week at an exclusive special event at BIGHORN to help raise funds for American Lake Veterans Golf Course. ALVGC is the nation’s only course designed specifically for the rehabilitation of wounded and disabled veterans.
“I was moved to see the amazing efforts at American Lake Veterans Golf Course where our wounded warriors learn to play golf with the help of an incredible army of volunteers,” said Nicklaus, whose Nicklaus Design firm has donated design services for an additional nine holes of golf at American Lake.
At an invitation-only reception on Nov. 16, BIGHORN members have been invited to join Nicklaus “for a few hours of golf and good deeds,” when he and others present “A Course in Courage: Healing America’s Veterans through Golf.” Joining him will be long-time friend Ken Still, who played on the PGA Tour for 36 years, and Pepper Roberts, volunteer instructor and pro at American Lake, and the initiator of the nonprofit organization that supports the golf course. Still and Nicklaus were members of the 1969 Ryder Cup Team.
On Nov. 17, Nicklaus will lead a clinic for invited guests. Disabled veterans from the American Lake Golf Course, including Vietnam vet and double amputee Jim Martinson, will be special participants with the Golden Bear, whose charitable activities are as acclaimed as his achievements as a golfer and golf-course designer. His philanthropy is among the reasons he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, the highest honor given any U.S. civilian.
Nicklaus and retired General John Shalikashvili are serving as honorary chairs for American Lake’s capital campaign for construction of the new “Nicklaus Nine” and other rehabilitation facility improvements to expand its capacity and enhance its accessibility. The BIGHORN events are sponsored by the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation, with comedian Tom Dreesen serving as master of ceremonies.
All proceeds from this special event at BIGHORN will benefit Friends of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course, a not-for-profit organization that was established in 2004 to support the operation of the golf course. The course, located in Lakewood, Wash., south of Seattle/Tacoma and within close proximity to military bases and military hospitals and clinics, served over 25,000 veterans and their families in 2008.
When federal funding to the Veterans Administration for the maintenance and operation of golf courses was discontinued in 1995, volunteers at American Lake assumed responsibility for all course operations. Today, some 160 volunteers - mostly former service members who range in age from their teens to their 80s - operate, maintain and manage the course, and provide lessons, clinics and other assistance for wounded veterans.
Each hole on the course is named after a military service medal, with patron opportunities available for each hole, tee and green. Like the original nine, the holes will be accessible for mobility-impaired golfers who use special golf carts to navigate the course.
The campaign for American Lake has a $4.5 million fund-raising goal. Funds will be used to:
- Construct the nine new holes (“the Nicklaus Nine”)
- Complete the construction of the Rehabilitation and Learning Center for physical therapy, fitness training, skills assessment and golf lessons for every level of ability and mobility. The Center will also function as a clubhouse
- Make improvements to the original nine holes to enhance accessibility
- Upgrade the maintenance facilities and restrooms
- Fund operational costs
An earlier campaign by the “Friends” supported construction of a covered driving range and meeting/activity pavilion, new accessible tee boxes, various practice areas, electrical service updates, a sprinkler system, and the purchase of golf carts, including SoloRiders for the mobility impaired.
American Lake Veterans Golf Course, where golf is more than just a game, welcomes contributions of all amounts to support its quest to help heal America’s disabled veterans through golf. The expanded and improved facility will set the example as a welcoming venue where wounded warriors regain hope and strength, while enjoying the benefits of golf in a positive, therapeutic and accepting social environment.”
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