The Folds of Honor Collegiate: Golfing for a Noble Cause -

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The Folds of Honor Collegiate is an annual collegiate golf tournament with a powerful, dual mission: athletic competition and charitable support.
It directly aids the Folds of Honor Foundation, providing educational scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military service members killed or disabled in service.
The event is held at the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, a course designed by Jack Nicklaus and considered the birthplace of Folds of Honor.
Participants include elite men’s and women’s college teams from NCAA Divisions I and II, notably featuring all three U.S. service academies.
The foundation has awarded over 52,000 scholarships, totaling more than $244 million, since its inception.
A women’s competition was proudly added in 2024, significantly expanding the tournament’s reach and impact.

The Folds of Honor Collegiate is an annual collegiate golf tournament with a powerful mission: to support the Folds of Honor Foundation. This esteemed nonprofit provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military service members who have been killed or disabled in service (source). More than just a competitive collegiate golf event, the tournament stands as a heartfelt tribute to military sacrifice, taking place at the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan – a course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and considered the birthplace of Folds of Honor (source).

Here are some key facts about the Folds of Honor Collegiate:

Dual Purpose: It’s a premier college golf tournament that simultaneously raises awareness and funds for military families.
Location: Hosted at the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Inception: The tournament began in 2022 and has quickly grown in prestige.
Participants: Features elite men’s and women’s college teams from NCAA Divisions I and II, including all three U.S. service academies (source).
Scholarship Impact: The Folds of Honor Foundation has awarded over 52,000 scholarships totaling more than $244 million (source).
Women’s Event: A women’s competition was added for the first time in 2024, expanding its reach and impact.

What is the Folds of Honor Collegiate?

The Folds of Honor Collegiate is an annual college golf tournament that marks an important start to the golf season for many top programs. It’s unique because it combines high-level athletic competition with a profound charitable mission. While teams compete for victory on the course, the event’s core purpose is to generate support and awareness for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to the families of America’s heroes.

When and Where is the Folds of Honor Collegiate Held?

The tournament is an annual event, typically held at the start of the collegiate golf season. It takes place at the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan. This specific location is significant because it’s considered the birthplace of the Folds of Honor Foundation, adding a deeper layer of meaning to the competition.

Who Participates in the Folds of Honor Collegiate?

The Folds of Honor Collegiate attracts an elite field of collegiate golf teams.

Top Programs: Universities like Michigan State, Florida State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State have participated.
Service Academies: All three U.S. service academies—Army, Navy, and Air Force—are also key participants, reinforcing the event’s military connection.
Format: The competition typically involves multiple rounds of stroke play, usually three rounds of 18 holes, challenging both individual golfers and team scores.
Expanding to Women: Starting in 2024, the tournament proudly introduced a women’s field, featuring 15 top women’s golf teams, showcasing the event’s growth and commitment to collegiate athletics.

In essence, the Folds of Honor Collegiate is a gathering of some of the best young golf talent, all playing for a cause greater than the game itself.

How Does the Folds of Honor Collegiate Support Military Families?

Beyond the golf scores, the tournament is deeply integrated with its charitable mission through several meaningful tributes:

Scholarship Funding: A significant portion of the proceeds from the event directly supports the Folds of Honor Foundation’s scholarship program.
Honor Bag Tags: Student-athletes carry special “Honor Bag tags” on their golf bags. Each tag represents a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient connected to their respective institutions, serving as a constant reminder of the mission.
Taps Ceremony: Ceremonies during the event include poignant moments, such as pausing for taps at 1:00 pm, a solemn bugle call played to honor fallen service members.

These elements ensure that the tournament is not just a competition, but a living tribute and a continuous fundraiser for military education.

What is the Folds of Honor Foundation?

The Folds of Honor Foundation is a highly respected national nonprofit organization with a critical mission.

Founding: It was founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a former F-16 fighter pilot and PGA golf professional.
Mission: The foundation is dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of U.S. military service members who have been killed or disabled in service to our country.
Impact: Since its inception, Folds of Honor has awarded over 52,000 scholarships, totaling more than $244 million, helping thousands of families pursue their educational dreams.
Expansion: Recently, their support has also expanded to include the families of first responders.
Reputation: The foundation is recognized for its strong reputation and high ratings as a charitable organization, ensuring donations effectively reach those in need.

How Can You Follow the Folds of Honor Collegiate?

Fans of college golf and supporters of military families can easily follow the action and stay updated on the Folds of Honor Collegiate:

Television Coverage: The event is typically broadcast on the Golf Channel, providing national exposure for the teams and the cause.
Online Updates: Extensive live coverage, leaderboards, and news updates are available through official collegiate sports websites and the tournament’s dedicated platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Folds of Honor Collegiate

Q1: What is the main purpose of the Folds of Honor Collegiate?

A1: The primary purpose is twofold: to host a competitive collegiate golf tournament and, more importantly, to raise funds and awareness for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to military and first responder families.

Q2: Where is the Folds of Honor Collegiate tournament held?

A2: It is held annually at the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, a course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and considered significant to the Folds of Honor story.

Q3: Which types of college teams compete in the tournament?

A3: The tournament features elite men’s and women’s golf teams from NCAA Divisions I and II, including all three U.S. service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force).

Q4: How does the Folds of Honor Foundation help military families?

A4: The Folds of Honor Foundation provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of U.S. military service members who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty, and recently expanded its support to first responder families.

Q5: Can I watch the Folds of Honor Collegiate on TV?

A5: Yes, the event is typically broadcast on the Golf Channel, allowing a wide audience to follow the competition and learn about its impactful mission.

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