The Game of Golf Fuels the Invisible Shield
When four notable nonprofits form a strategic alliance to provide valuable support to causes that match with their missions -- it is noteworthy. Under the banner, Invisible Shield, the Patriot Golf Foundation, John Daly – Major Ed “Heart of a Lion Foundation”, Uncommon Grit Foundation, and TIU4ALL have banded together using the game of golf to raise awareness and donations. Tournaments, golf schools and clinics to support the Invisible Shield and their foundations will be hosted around the country beginning in 2021. “Invisible Shield is based on the definition of invisible as ‘someone or something that cannot be seen’, and shield as ‘one that protects or defends’”, states Chick Linski, President of the John Daly – Major Ed Foundation and one of the drivers behind this collaborative effort. “The term ‘Invisible Shield’ was coined during a conversation with Darren McBurnett, US Navy SEAL (Ret), leader of the Uncommon Grit Foundation. We feel that we are providing the recipients of our missions with a sense of protection from their personal challenges by providing valuable resources, support, and opportunities. Each of the foundations 26
involved want our benefactors to be the focal point of our efforts, not the organizations per se.” Patriot Golf Foundation provides both resources and access to the game to military veterans through its Patriot Golf Schools. According to Ted Simons, Executive Director, “The game of golf has proven to be therapeutic for vet-
erans suffering from PTSD, physical, mental, and emotional challenges as the result of their service. Each Patriot Golf School includes veterans at no cost so they can learn, play, and socialize with the sponsors for the day. We have a national staff of highly regarded instructors that bring a wealth of experience to each of our events. The camaraderie that the veterans experience during the schools is one of the important benefits they leave with.” Proceeds from the golf schools are shared with qualified foundations that support military veterans and their families. www.patriotgolffoundation. com Heart of a Lion is a new foundation formed by 2-time Major Winner John Daly and Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (Ret.). “Freedom is not free. Honoring the sacrifices and empowering our Veterans is a big reason I joined with John on this special mission to make sure that we leave no active service member, veteran and their family behind on the field of battle. Together we will make a difference in the lives of not only our veterans and first responders but also those children that are living with physical and medical stressors of everyday life,” states Major Ed. Both Daly and Major Ed have a long history Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 5
