The Patriot All-America Invitational, in partnership with the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA), will feature a Women’s Division for the first time ever in 2021. Dubbed “College Golf’s Bowl Game,” the 11th annual edition will include 42 of college golf’s best women players, in addition to 84 of the best men’s collegiate players, Dec. 28-31 at the Wigwam Golf Resort in Litchfield Park.
“This 11th year of the championship is the perfect occasion to expand the championship to include the best of women’s collegiate golf,” said Patriot All-America Co-Founders Gregg Grost of the Golf Coaches Association of America, and Ed Gowan of the Arizona Golf Foundation. “This unique opportunity to bring together all the best collegians from all divisions and WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) in one event will showcase what elite amateur golf is all about.
“We have long wished to host women as we have men, each playing in honor of a fallen or severely injured military hero. We are ecstatic to see it come to fruition at the end of the year.”
The Patriot All-America Invitational features PING All-Americans from the previous season in NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and NJCAA; as well as 2021 First Team All-America Seniors from the AJGA. The 54-hole amateur event is the first of its kind to combine the talents of 126 nationally recognized men and women golfers simultaneously at one tournament.
“The WGCA is excited to partner with The Patriot,” said Angie Ravaioli-Larkin, WGCA president. This is so special to our organization especially with our involvement and commitment to The Folds of Honor. What a tremendous opportunity to recognize some of the finest players in women’s college golf while honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Patriot All-America honors fallen or severely wounded soldiers in partnership with the Folds of Honor Foundation. The golfers receive a golf bag donated by PING Corporation at the event’s opening ceremony emblazoned with the name and branch of service of a fallen or injured military member whom they shall represent. Participants also receive a card with the soldier’s story so they can be familiar with that soldier. The golf bags are then sold with proceeds donated to Folds of Honor to support the families affected.
“I’m grateful and excited about the return of the Patriot All-America Invitational in 2021,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “This outstanding golf tournament honors those who have given so much for our country. I’m especially enthusiastic about the addition of women collegiate golfers in this year’s field. These are some of the best players in America. Women play an integral role in the military and have sacrificed so much.”
For all information on the Patriot All-America, including history, sponsorship opportunities and links to 2020 live stream recordings, visit patriotallamerica.com.
