Gannon tourney salutes military

LYNN – The game of golf can serve many purposes to many people.Whether it’s a casual round with family or friends or playing for the big money on the PGA Tour, golf has become a pastime for many people.For others, however, the game provides an escape from many different problems ? even from things like war.Since 2007, the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association have teamed up to form Patriot Golf Day at nearly 4,000 golf facilities across the country.Patriot Golf Day started in 2007 when Major Dan Rooney, founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation and a PGA professional, asked his golfers to add $1 to their greens fees. A former F-16 pilot, Rooney saw over $1.1 million raised by golfers from across the country donated to the foundation, which is a nonprofit group that provides postsecondary educational scholarships to the children and spouses of military men and women disabled or killed while serving.Since its inception, the total raised has now gone over $5.3 million through Patriot Golf Day.On Saturday at Gannon Golf Course, the inaugural Folds of Honor Golf Tournament was held to cap off a summer that saw the course’s membership donate nearly 20 boxes of used and found golf balls to troops overseas for use during down times.The team of Vic Grasso-Shane LeMay-John Berg-John Heath won the tournament with a score of 13-under. Second went to Phil McManus-Dwight Brothers Jr.-Chris Ofilos-Dave Harney at minus-12.Third was taken by Bob Trepsas Jr.-Bob Trepsas Sr.-George Hazel-Jack Hollow at 11-under. Also noteworthy was that Trepsas Jr. completed the weekend by acing the par-3 ninth hole on Sunday.Sharing fourth were the teams of John Lynch Sr.-Ron Young-Gerry O’Brien-Charlie McQuarrie and John Lynch Jr.-Rich Moulison-Gerry Cashman-John Ustas at 10-under.