Memorial to partner with Ohio’s Military in day of recognition

Military Appreciation Day to conclude with Jack Nicklaus Clinic featuring Boo Weekley, Dustin Johnson, and 2008 Memorial Winner Kenny Perry

The Memorial Tournament reconfirmed its dedication to Ohio’s military members by recognizing Tuesday, June 2nd as Military Appreciation Day. In cooperation with all branches of Ohio’s military the Memorial will recognize both active and retired service members through a full day of activities.

Free for all military (including immediate family) with a valid active or retired military ID, Military Appreciation Day will be highlighted by a catered lunch for a very select group of 40 military and their families, including a special appearance by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. Following the lunch an exclusive golf clinic will be provided for the military at 1:30 PM. Tuesday will also include the Honoree Opening Ceremonies at 3:00PM, where 2009 Memorial Tournament Honorees Jack Burke Jr. and JoAnne Carner will be recognized. Prominently featured in the day will be a military flyover by the Ohio National Guard’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters and an appearance by the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band and The Ohio State University Spring Band. Gates open at 7:00 AM for this special day honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

“We are pleased to be a part of the 2009 Memorial Tournament, Jack Nicklaus and the Memorial continue to show their unwavering support for all of Ohio’s military members and their families,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Wayt, Ohio’s adjutant general.

In addition to recognizing of all Ohio’s military, the Memorial will focus on providing access to a special group of disabled veterans from the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Hospital in Columbus on Tuesday, June 2nd, as a part of Military Appreciation Day.

“The Memorial is once again proud to provide Tuesday of Tournament week as a day of recognition for our military,” said tournament executive director Dan Sullivan. “We had a tremendous response from all branches of the military during last year’s inaugural dedication day and look forward to building on that success this year. Incorporating military recognition into our traditional Honoree Opening Ceremony is a natural fit. We believe the Tournament is well positioned to provide recognition and support for all branches of Ohio’s military. We know that
all who attend will enjoy their day at the course.”

Military Appreciation Day will conclude with the annual Jack Nicklaus Clinic at 4:30 PM on the Main Driving Range. This fan favorite is open to the public and will feature Boo Weekley, two- time PGA TOUR winner and one of the emotional leaders of the winning 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team; Dustin Johnson, second year PGA TOUR player and winner of the 2009 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am; previously released 2008 Memorial Tournament winner Kenny Perry; and Founder and host Jack Nicklaus.