By Fred Altvater
The first-ever Intrepid Invitational, featuring women who have had extraordinary careers in the military, or in the service to our country, was held last month at American Dunes Golf Club.
The event was the vision of three women, who were supporters of the Folds of Honor and wanted to promote the accomplishments of women.
LPGA Hall of Fame member Nancy Lopez was one of those ladies and she is totally invested in this worthy golf outing.
Back 9 Report chatted with Nancy, click HERE to view the entire interview.
Insert Nancy Lopez pic # here
American Dunes, created by Folds of Honor founder Colonel Dan Rooney, was be the perfect course to host the event. Jack Nicklaus designed this beauty in southwestern Michigan (one-hour west of Grand Rapids) and dedicated it to the men and women of the armed services and first responders.
The festivities began with a tasty dinner including an intimate concert with recording artist, Amy Grant, the night preceding the actual tournament. Ms. Grant had open-heart surgery in 2020 and sustained a career-threatening head injury in a freak bicycling accident in 2022. She was unconscious for ten minutes, which caused a traumatic brain injury. A cyst also formed in her throat and required a five-hour surgery to remove.
Amy said of the injury, “I actually had to learn to sing again.”
In the morning before teeing off a ‘Round Table’ discussion was held, moderated by former Golf Channel Host, Kelly Tilghman and featured Nancy Lopez, Jacqueline Rooney, wife of Dan Rooney and Vice Admiral (Ret) Nora Tyson. Tyson served in the Navy for 38 years and was the first woman to command the Third Fleet.
Listening to these successful women talk about their careers and experiences was very inspiring.
Two-time PGA Champion, Dave Stockton was on hand to give a putting lessons, plus a full color guard presented the colors. An Air Force flyover and a parachute team entertained golfers before teeing off.
Back 9 Report also chatted with American Dunes General Manager Doug Bell, who talked about this unique event and Fold of Honor. Watch the full interview HERE.
Pic of Doug Bell
After the rounds were complete, guests were once again treated to a delicious meal and awards were passed out.
This was a very worthy event and I urge everyone to put it on their schedules for 2025.
Visit https://foldsofhonor.org/ for future dates and more information about The Intrepid Invitational, as well as Folds of Honor.
