RANCHO SANTA FE — Only a few spots and two sponsorship opportunities remain for the seventh annual Operation Game On Golf Classic, which will be held Aug. 11 at Morgan Run Club & Resort.
Registration for the event, a fundraiser to help combat-injured troops regain an active lifestyle through golf, begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by driving and putting practice, the presentation of colors at 10:15 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m.
New this year is “Taste by Our Friends,” with Donovan’s Steak & Chop House, Coyote Grill, Pacifica Del Mar, Dang Brother Pizza, Pizza Port, San Diego Paella, Jimbo’s and Subway providing food and grog throughout the tournament.
Operation Game On was created in 2008 by Rancho Santa Fe resident Tony Perez to help with the rehabilitation of physically and mentally injured soldiers.
Participating troops, who are undergoing treatment at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, receive golf lessons from PGA-certified instructors and a professional fitting session by the staff at The Kingdom at TaylorMade Golf.
They also receive custom-fitted clubs, bags, shoes and gloves, as well as playing opportunities throughout the county at no cost to them, the hospital or the military.
Doctors, prosthetic specialists and counselors have found golf is an essential link to the rehabilitation process for combat-wounded military personnel with extreme physical and mental disabilities.
“I have witnessed firsthand how golf has instilled confidence and helped our injured heroes transition from the traumas of dangerous missions to the thrill of accomplishment that comes from hitting a green in regulation or sinking a birdie putt,” Perez said.
The event ends with cocktails, a dinner buffet, a silent auction and raffle, awards and guest speakers beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $300 per player. The tournament usually sells out before game day.
A $10,000 presenting sponsor and $5,000 dinner and awards banquet sponsor are still needed.
Visit operationgameon.org or contact Perez at (619) 997-0773 or [email protected] for more information.
