The Patriot All-America Invitational is a one-of-a-kind amateur golf event that brings together 150 of the nation's top players for a five-day competition representing all NCAA divisions, the NAIA, NJCAA, AJGA, international teams, and special invitees. The 54-hole invitational delivers a unique holiday bowl–style experience and is hosted by the Arizona Golf Association, West Valley Mavericks, Golf Coaches Association of America, Women's Golf Coaches Association, and the Wigwam Golf Resort in support of the Folds of Honor Foundation.
A defining element of the event is its commitment to honoring military heroes. Each participant represents a fallen or wounded service member by carrying a commemorative PING golf bag bearing the individual's name, rank, and branch of service. McEwen will honor Army Specialist Anthony Gabriel Green of Yorktown, Texas, who was killed in action on October 16, 2009.
SPC Green, a 2000 graduate of Yorktown High School and a member of the 143rd Infantry Detachment, served with distinction during his military career. He worked closely with Afghan farmers, educating them on irrigation and conservation techniques, and was awarded the Purple Heart following his second tour in Iraq.
"He loved working with the locals, teaching them how to irrigate from a windmill they erected, increasing their yield threefold," said his father, A. Cornell Green.
During the event, players visit Luke Air Force Base, where they meet with fighter pilots, tour the base, and take part in activities designed to strengthen their connection to the military community. Following the tournament, the commemorative golf bags are auctioned at players' schools, with proceeds benefiting the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members.
McEwen, a native of Portsmouth, Va., was named a PING First Team All-American as a sophomore and was honored as the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year for Division III. Currently ranked No. 1 in Division III, McEwen joins six other Division III golfers competing in this year's Patriot All-America Invitational.
You can follow along on the live results HERE, starting on Monday, Dec. 29 before the first round. For more information about the Patriot All-America Invitational, visit
www.patriotallamerica.com.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
