Virginia Golfer July / August 2015 | Page 33

“America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses”
by Golf Digest, and frequently tops the list of
best Southern Courses including Golfweek’s #1
Virginia course of 2015.
Golf tends to lend itself to events like
this. Ryder attributes it to the sports ability
to be inclusive, allowing players of all levels
to join in.
“Golf lets everyone participate,” he
explained. “You have a tournament with
people of all different types of caliber that
can play, from professionals to novice. Not
everyone can do that at other charity sporting
events. Even if you aren’t playing, there usually
is something to do around at the course.
“Golf and charities just work together.”
Cheek-Messier echoed Ryder’s thoughts.
“I think golfing is something that people
who enjoy it, they’re so dedicated to it,
and I think they particularly love it if they
can support a cause while they’re doing
it,” Cheek-Messier said. “We will have
veterans out on the course to share their
own experiences and it will be a wonderful
opportunity for everyone to come together

and celebrate these people that gave so much.
It will raise awareness for our nation’s vets,
our Memorial and do so in a very fun way
and in a fun environment.”
There’s no question, the National D-Day
Memorial Golf Classic will be an excellent
way to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans
and fallen heroes. It will be about enjoying
a day of fun and fellowship, celebrating the
victory for our nation 70 years ago. As more
and more members of the World War II
generation pass on, it becomes increasingly
important to preserve their legacy and give
thanks while they still walk among us.
“It makes you feel pretty proud when you
have the chance to participate in something
great like this,” said Ryder. “It’s something
that goes beyond just this certain area, but
across the nation.”
Jessi Pierce is assistant editor for Minnesota
Hockey Journal and RINK Magazine. She
frequently contributes to USA Hockey, Inside
Lacrosse and other sporting publications in
the U.S.

WHAT TO
KNOW:
When: 10 a.m. shotgun-start on
Monday, Sept. 21, 2015.
Entry Fee: $150 (includes golf,
boxed lunch and awards reception).
A practice round is available on the
Sunday preceding the golf classic
at a cost of $100.
Registration:
No later than Sept. 1, 2015.
Contact: Call the National D-Day
Memorial office at 540-586-3329,
email Nicole Johnson at njohnson@
dday.org, or visit dday.org.

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