Northern Trust Open to honor U.S. Armed Forces, local vets

Northern Trust Open to honor U.S. Armed Forces, local vets

PGA TOUR

02.08.11

Throughout next week's tournament, PGA TOUR, Northern Trust and Northern Trust Open officials will honor area military personnel and their families with free admission, a special golf reception for veterans and a private hospitality suite. The 2011 Northern Trust Open will be held Feb. 15-20 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

"The military is very near and dear to my heart," said NBA legend Jerry West, executive director of the Northern Trust Open. "Anything we can do through the Northern Trust Open to support local military men and women and their families -- and show them how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice -- makes me even more proud to be associated with this tournament."

All active duty, retired and reserve military members and their dependents will be welcome all week to the Northern Trust Open with complimentary admission. The benefits are provided as part of the Birdies for the Brave program, a PGA TOUR Charities effort dedicated to supporting and honoring the brave men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

The Patriots' Outpost, presented by the Annenberg Foundation, will provide military guests and local veterans with complimentary food and beverages and a relaxing venue on Riviera's 10th green for enjoying the tournament from Wednesday, February 16, through Sunday, February 20.

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, the PGA TOUR will host a reception for hundreds of veterans served by the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. West will be joined by PGA TOUR players and caddies at the Fisher House on the grounds of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Center (11301 Wilshire Boulevard) for a dedication ceremony, autograph session, live music and the opportunity for veterans to try and beat the scores of West and TOUR players in a miniature golf competition. Dinner will be provided compliments of Chick-fil-A.

On Wednesday morning, Feb. 16, service members from all branches of the military will serve as caddies on the 10th green during the Pro-Am. Saturday, February 19, will be "Military Appreciation Day" at the Northern Trust Open, with military caddies assisting TOUR players on the 1st and 10th tees, and a special Military Appreciation Ceremony at 3 p.m. located on the 18th green.