Mahalo to our Military
The Sony Open in Hawaii and Friends of Hawaii Charities is once again proud to support the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces and their families through some exciting Birdies for the Brave outreach activities. The military mini-events will take place throughout tournament week January 9-15, 2012. To show appreciation to the courageous members of the US military, the Sony Open event offers free admission to all active-duty and retired military service members who present a valid military ID.
Early in the week, a patriotic theme with remarks from Admiral Robert F. Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command and Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, USN (Ret.) punctuates the 6th Annual King Auto Group Pro-Junior Skills Challenge, a free and fun community event held on Tuesday, January 10 at 2:45 p.m. at 18 green. Live entertainment will be provided by the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band under the direction of SSgt William Kilian. As one of the oldest, active-duty Marine Field Bands, the Marine Forces Pacific Band traces its origin back to the 1920‘s and features fifty highly-trained Marines from across the nation who travel throughout the Pacific region providing ceremonial support for military and civic events.
In addition, Pasha Hawaii, official ocean transport company for the Sony Open hosts “Support Our Troops - Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost” hospitality venue -- the military appreciation tent on the 18th fairway. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided at this venue dedicated exclusively for the use of active and retired military personnel and their families from Thursday through Sunday, January 12-15. Pasha Hawaii encourages all military service members to use this outpost as their home base at the golf tournament.
Pasha Hawaii also presents a brand new “Birdies for the Brave Military Caddie Program” at the 2012 Sony Open. Thirty-five active military service members will have the exciting opportunity to caddie for PGA TOUR professionals for one hole (Hole #18) during the Wednesday, January 11, Official Pro-Am. The caddies, pre-selected from various military organizations stationed in Hawaii, will wear camouflage caddie bibs and experience the season-opening PGA TOUR event from “inside the ropes.”
“Our military service members deserve to be honored for their service and sacrifice to our country. We are proud to partner with the Sony Open and Friends of Hawaii Charities to express our appreciation to them at our Hospitality Outpost,” said Reggie Maldonado, General Manager, Pasha Hawaii.
Tournament admission tickets and VIP Oceanside Lanai hospitality packages for the 2012 Sony Open in Hawaii are available for sale online. Admission tickets also available for purchase at any First Hawaiian Bank branch on Oahu. Admission to the event is free Monday and Tuesday, January 9-10 and $15 per person daily Wednesday through Sunday, January 11-15 if purchased in advance on-line or at First Hawaiian Bank branches on Oahu. Tickets purchased at the gate during tournament week are $20 per person daily. Season Badges are $50 and good for admission throughout the week. Children 12 years and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult with a purchased ticket. Active and retired military are also admitted free with valid military ID.
The tournament provides free parking venues and shuttle service between tournament parking sites and the golf course. E NOA Trolley Shuttles also regularly run from Waikiki for a nominal fee. Mobile devices are allowed, but adherence to PGA TOUR policy is required. No backpacks are permitted throughout the week. No cameras are allowed Thursday - Sunday.
Birdies for the Brave is a national military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR. Originally created by TOUR player Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, Birdies for the Brave includes rehabilitative golf clinics and special opportunities for wounded warriors; military appreciation activities during TOUR events; and fundraising events held at TPC clubs nationwide -- an effort that has raised more than $7.5 million for military homefront groups that provide critical programs and services for military men and women and their families.
For more information on Birdies for the Brave military outreach please visit www.birdiesforthebrave.org.