2022

To the Salute to Service Champions Golf Tournament Players and Sponsors,

We don’t have the words to properly convey our gratitude for being part of this event; committing your time, resources, financial support, and more. Through your commitments, the Wounded Warrior Project received:

>>> $37,523.81 <<<

Wounded Warrior Project will put these funds towards their long-standing, effective, and much needed programs aiding our nation’s veterans.

We ended up with 127 players, 19 sponsors, the great staff of Arrowhead Golf Club, and over a dozen volunteers all contributing to the success of our inaugural tournament.

A huge 'thank you' to “The Pros”, Miles Philpy (Outdrive the Pro) and Steven Ziegler (Pro Shot), who generated over $2,700 in donations and added so much interest and anticipation to the day.

We finished our competition back at the 18th hole starting with The SportsBook Bar & Grill Putting Contest and a chance to win $5,000 cash. Thank you to our putting competitors for your contribution to the event:

Scott Simpson
Mike Geppner
Kevin English
Gabriel Garcia-Hitt
Tim Cronk

Though we didn’t have any grand prize winners, each competitor walked away with a complimentary golf lesson from PGA professional and in-demand coach, Gary Woodside, who generously donated $1,000 in lessons to the cause. Special shoutout to Kevin English who dropped one of the hardest putts we’ve ever seen at 10ft in length with over 2ft of break (video below):

After the putting contest, we took 3 lucky raffle winners 165 yards out from the 18th hole for a shot at The SportsBook Bar & Grill $1 Million Shootout. Thank you to our competitors who took valiant swings for the prize:

Chuck Wilson
Garrett Sadusky
Andy Vigil

Garrett Sadusky got the closest with his ball stopping just inches from the green (video below). Though no one walked away with the cash, they’re still worth a ‘sweet’ million to us. [Garrett's shot and all three contestants pictured below]:

Lunch began with a delicious BBQ spread by the talented Arrowhead Culinary Staff; serving up some of the best brisket we’ve ever tasted! It continued with the opportunity to partake in the ages-old tradition of military insignia and art identification on the flasks gifted to all attendees. Thanks to Nick Alberts and Ana Elizalde for sending pictures of their final products:

Next, we were moved by the touching moment when Dan Miller (30-year Marine Corps Veteran and Wounded Warrior Project representative) honored all military veterans who stood and were recognized for their service, sacrifice, and bravery in protecting the principles and freedoms of our nation. It’s a debt that we can only attempt to repay by supporting veterans in need through organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project.

After Dan’s heart-felt presentation, we continued with the festivities by congratulating the side game winners; each receiving a $200 prize from our side game sponsors:

Kayleigh Robinson (Women’s Long Drive Champion; sponsored by Legacy Restoration)
Matt Johnson (Men’s Long Drive Champion; sponsored by Accurate America)
Don Ticknor (Longest putt made from the putting surface; sponsored by Farmers Federal Credit Union)
Art Mondragon (Closest to the pin in 2 shots; sponsor by Premier Roofing)

Congratulations to Jason Schmidt for winning the 50/50 raffle ($223; to be delivered). Jason generously donated his winnings, but we’re bringing it to you anyway bud.

And congratulations to Don Ticknor, the winner of the Weed Man raffle (receiving free lawn care services). You will definitely have the best-looking lawn on your block!

Lunch concluded with the biggest awards of the day going to our top 3 foursomes (prizes sponsored by ‘friends of Light of Hope’):

3rd place Team: Ronnie Harsh, Art Mondragon, Jacob Chong, and Randy Erickson
2nd place Team: J.T. Peterson, Jim Vargas, Bob Yoswa, and Fabian Crespin
1st Place Championship Team: Matt Savage, Ryan Lewis, Randy Fletcher, and Scott Simpson

Big congratulations to our winners! We hope to see you back next year to defend your title (or do one better).

We ended the day at The SportsBook Bar & Grill, who generously provided a discount to all tournament attendees! The evening was filled with ‘almost-got-it’ stories, a heated auction battle, ‘I love you man’s’, and most importantly, great people.

Lastly, it is with deep gratitude that we’d like to thank each of our sponsors for their significant financial contributions, creative and entertaining booth activities, and generous giveaways. These organizations went above and beyond; with Accurate America even committing to donate $250 of every roof they do this year to the Wounded Warrior Project. We truly have the best companies supporting this tournament and the metro districts. Our hope is that you continue to support them in your business or personal needs, and through family-, friend-, and client referrals: