The AT&T National teed off Wednesday at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., and in addition to seeing Tiger Woods and some of the world's best golfers, fans also paid tribute to American service members and their families.
Air Force Master Sgt. Ryan Carson sang the National anthem, helicopters from Ft. Belvoir flew over and Woods hit the ceremonial first tee shot with two young golfers representing the children of military families at Wednesday’s pro-am.
Woods posed for pictures with wounded warriors, taking time to thank each one for their service and sacrifice as he signed autographs. Pros like Jim Furyk played on teams with amateur partners.
Donald Trump was both a celebrity and an apprentice, visiting with some of the wounded veterans in attendance.
The tournament returns to Congressional after two years in Philadelphia while Congressional was readied for last year’s U.S. Open. Organizers are giving 30,000 free tickets to members of the military and wounded warriors, and along the 18th hole there is a heroes wall for everyone to sign to honor the service of the men and women overseas. It will be dismantled and sent to them after the tournament.
Over the six years the AT&T National tournament has been played, $15 million has been raised for youth programs. Organizers say it couldn’t be done without the 2,000 volunteers who help.
With temperatures expected to climb this weekend, there are plenty of refreshment stands with lemonade, ice cream and cold drinks. Or you can get a Ruth’s Cris steak filet sandwich for $15.
Shuttle buses take spectators in from satellite lots or they can pay $25 to park on neighboring laws.
