TPC San Antonio Salutes Military During Official Grand Opening

March 20, 2010

By TPC Staff

SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Underscoring the PGA TOUR’s “Together, anything’s possible” charitable mission, TPC San Antonio marked its debut by collaborating with the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa to host a grand-opening weekend March 19-20 benefiting three military charities: Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, The Fisher House and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

To kick off the “Serving Those Who Have Served Us” Birdies for the Brave event, the club hosted a reception to thank members for their support and the confidence they have shown in the newly opened project. David Pillsbury, president of PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties, served as master of ceremonies for the evening, when the club had the opportunity to introduce the membership to its new Adopt-A-Wounded Warrior recipient, Brian Neuman.

Neuman had served as an Army Ranger and was honorably discharged after his first enlistment. Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Brian felt compelled to return to active service and joined Psychological Operations attached to a ranger battalion. Just three months after returning from Afghanistan in May 2004, Neuman was deployed to Iraq in August, eventually participating in the Battle for Fallujah. Neuman was heavily involved in the battle from the first day. On Nov. 11, Neuman’s team, which included his interpreter and two soldiers, had been inside their Bradley fighting vehicle for 36 hours. They had been hit by up to 15 rocket-propelled grenades without injury. However, at noon, the Bradley was hit by an explosively formed projectile, which penetrated the vehicle, severing Neuman’s arm at the elbow and killing his interpreter. Neuman credits his body armor and the loyalty of his fellow soldiers for saving his life. All three took small-arm fire from the enemy as they ran for safety and ultimately survived. Neuman continues to thank and show support for U.S. troops by serving with Wounded Warrior Project, one of the TOUR’s six Birdies for the Brave military charities.

Festivities included a charity golf outing, in which TPC San Antonio members, guests and sponsors were paired with active and retired military personnel, including many wounded warriors. Despite inclement weather, the more than 250 participants enjoyed the first official showcase of the AT&T Oaks and AT&T Canyons courses, with proceeds benefiting the event’s military beneficiaries. The highlight of the event was the opening ceremonies, a salute to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, culminating in a performance by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus.

Many PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour players showed their support for the military by participating in the event. They were Bruce Lietzke, Bill Rogers, Mark Brooks, Frank Conner, Phil Blackmar, David Ogrin, B.J. Staten and John Kimbell. Also participating were World Golf Hall of Fame member and designer of the AT&T Canyons course, Pete Dye, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Richard Myers.

The grand-opening weekend concluded on Saturday evening with a spectacular gala attended by more than 1,000 supporters, including PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. Entertainment was provided by John Rich, Kenny Rogers, Wynona and the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus. In all, the gala—combined with sponsorships and tournament proceeds—raised more than $900,000 for the three military charities, while at the same time serving as an invaluable opportunity to pay tribute to the troops.