A parachutist from the U.S. Air Force’s Wings of Blue gets the Opening Ceremony officially under way at the Patriot All-America Invitational by flying in the American flag (top left). Among the many tributes to the fallen and wounded soldiers at the event held at The Wigwam in late December were 84 story cards that were displayed throughout the course (left). At the closing ceremony (above), Cameron Champ, shown here between AGA execu- tive director Ed Gowan (left) and JDM Partners COO and general counsel Tom O’Malley, took home the trophy after prevailing in a playoff.
UA’s Cunningham, Gumberg convey compassions for Patriot
n BY JEFF HEISNER
For University of Arizona juniors George Cunningham and Jordan Gumberg, playing in the Patriot All-America in late December at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park served a dual purpose. Yes, it’s one of the most prestigious college tournaments in the country, they said. But of even greater significance, it remembers a fallen or injured member of the United States Armed Services. “Being able to carry the wounded or fallen here is pretty cool and something no other tournament does,” said Cunningham, who grew up in Tucson and was playing in his third consecutive Patriot. “It’s (also) one of the top events
and it’s over (semester) break. Why wouldn’t you come here?” All 84 golfers who competed in the most recent Patriot have a tag detailing the war hero they represent and how they died or were injured in combat. Reading those stories left a lasting impact on the golfers, especially Cunningham.
www.azgolf.org
And for a second time Cunningham had a special tie to the fallen soldier he represented, as Chris “Fireball” Cooper was a decorated Air Force Major and a family friend who died in active duty when his B-52 crashed of Guam in 2008. Cunningham said being able
to represent Cooper at the Patriot was a small gesture he shared with his entire family, who were close to the Cooper family. “It’s so unfortunate that he died,
but at least I’m able to honor him here,” said Cunningham, noting Cooper was a highly decorated pilot who served two missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during his 11-year career in the Air Force. Because of his close connections
to the Patriot, Cunningham talked fellow Wildcat Jordan Gumberg into playing in this year’s event. For Gumberg, it didn’t take too much convincing. “It’s important to be here and
to give back,” said Gumberg, who hails from Florida. “It was a powerful opening ceremony
University of Arizona juniors Jordan Gumberg (left), with a bag honoring Army Specialist Joshua Bulla, and George Cunningham, representing Air Force Major Chris “Fireball” Cooper, participated in the Patriot All-America.
and gives you a good perspective of what you’re doing here. “To have some sort of involvement
and to meet the families, it brings you to tears almost.” Both Wildcats said they were
impressed with the opening ceremonies, which included a flyover, with four jets zooming over top the golf course. Another memorable moment they shared was a behind- the-scenes tour of Luke Air Force Base. Overall, the hospitality was off the charts, both agreed. But this event goes above and
beyond by leaving players with a sense of patriotism and great appreciation for the military. Since its start in 2011, the Patriot All- America continues to draw one of the best amateur fields in America. Past participants include current PGA Tour players Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger, Patrick Rogers and Bryson DeChambeau. n
Jeff Heisner is the vice president of Bottomline Media Coaching and a former sports anchor on ABC 15 Phoenix.
PREVIEW 2017 | AZ GOLF Insider | 25
MICHAEL JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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