Patriot All-America Invitational features loaded men’s and women’s field ahead of 12th edition
It’s again time for one of the premier amateur events of the year.
The 12th Patriot All-America Invitational will be held at Wigwam Golf Club in Litchfield Park (Arizona), Dec. 29-31. It’s the second year there will be women in the field.
Ping All-Americans from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III will be playing in the tournament. There will also be 2021 First Team All-America seniors representing the AJGA. A golfer must also be ranked highly enough in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
“We’re eager to kick off this year’s Patriot All-America, and we’re thrilled to see the exponential growth of the women’s division,” said Mark James, Luke Air Force Base. “Women play a pivotal role in the U.S. Armed Forces, and we’re happy to see them so well-represented in this year’s tournament.”
The field will have 84 men and 64 women. The women’s field was expanded from 42.
Participating golfers have an opportunity to recognize a fallen or wounded military hero during the event by carrying a commemorative Ping golf bag bearing the serviceman or woman’s name and branch. They can then sell their bags at the event. All proceeds go to Folds of Honor, which is a non-profit that funds scholarships for families of disabled or fallen military personnel and first responders. Participants get to tour Luke Air Force Base.
Thursday marks the beginning of play. To determine a champion, 54 holes worth of stroke play will be played.
It’s also the first year of the Thunderbolt, which will be played at the same time as the Patriot at Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club in Surprise, Arizona. It will include golfers who met the initial eligibility but didn’t make it to the Patriot.