NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18)– After a great few days of activities and practice rounds, the Barbasol Championship is set to begin the opening round of play on Thursday, which has been designated as “Heroes’ Day” to honor the men and women who have served and protected our country.
All active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees and their dependents, as well as first responders, can enjoy complimentary tournament admission. Guests may obtain complimentary military tickets by visiting barbasolchampionshipky.com/tickets/, having their military or first responder status verified, and then downloading a ticket voucher. The ticket vouchers must be presented at the gate along with a Department of Defense-issued ID or Photo ID for admission. Sunday, military members and first responders can receive a 20% discount on tickets with the same registration procedure required.
The first round of the Barbasol Championship at Champions at Keene Trace will tee off with a military appreciation ceremony, featuring guest speakers, the National Anthem performed by Marlana VanHoose, the presentation of the colors from the National Guard Color Guard, and a ceremonial tee shot from Purple Heart recipient Brett Bondurant. The ceremony will begin at 7:45 a.m. ET.
U.S. Army SPC Bondurant was six months into his first deployment as a minesweeper with the 25th infantry division out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in Khandar Province, Afghanistan, when his sweeper did not detect an IED and he stepped on a pressure plate. The explosion resulted in the loss of both legs, near amputation of his left arm and a broken right hand and wrist. Medically retired, he credits golf with helping him stay on his feet, enjoy the outdoors, and heal both mentally and physically.
Also as part of Thursday’s activities, the Barbasol Championship will provide active duty military members with the opportunity to tend the pin flag on the No. 8 hole, which will be replaced with an American flag. In addition, the tournament will welcome military guests and first responders in the Patriots’ Outpost, a military-exclusive hospitality venue located adjacent to the No. 8 hole.
The tournament and Kentucky Wounded Heroes will also enable spectators to give back by participating in the Patriots’ Parcels program. KWH volunteers will help fans pack snacks, personal items, toiletries and other items for troops stationed over seasons.
