Out With Eldrick the Tiger, In With Cap'n Crush Couples?

Boy, you look away for a few minutes and 11 months blaze by. That's how long I've left FGMan, the blog, in the bushes, along with the five million or so golf balls I've sprayed over my 40-year hacking career. So, it's high time I started hunting for some words beyond my regular gig as publisher of Fairways + Greens Magazine (but read it too, please, daily if you can).

And what better place, or person, to start with than
my old friend Greg Norman, who I've met exactly twice — once at the PGA Merchandise Show four or five years ago as he helped shill MacGregor golf clubs (not one of his more astute business partnerships), and once during the Senior Skins competition at Royal Ka'anapali on Maui, where he was grabbing some early-morning Joe for then-bride Chris Evert (not one of his more astute matrimonial partnerships).

So, here's the deal: There's been a bit of a dustup regarding the Shark's comments that, from where he sits as captain of the President's Cup International squad, American counterpart Fred Couples had no business giving Tiger Woods a spot on his team, pointing to PGA Champ Keegan Bradley as more deserving of a captain's pick (FedEx Cup winner Bill Haas, son of co-captain Jay, got the other slot).

Some pundits say Tiger is still pure ratings gold, therefore deserving by default; others go with Greg, saying there are actually several current American players whom Couples should have given more than a cursory glance when nailing down his final lineup. I see both sides, and I waffle on this by the minute. Two years ago at Harding Park I watched Tiger and Prez Cup pal Steve Stricker (who, ironically, might miss this year's edition at Royal Melbourne thanks to a nagging neck issue, which would make way for Bradley) tear up every International team they faced, while Tiger himself put on a clinic. Of course, that was before the Kryptonite Krash heard 'round the world, and Tiger hasn't been the same since. Not even close. Two-year-win-drought-not-even-close. And no, his sizzling front nine at this year's Masters doesn't make up for his otherwise dismal competitive showing overall; for his lousy sense of decorum in the caddy handling and media massaging departments; and the complete obliteration of any edge, psychological or otherwise, that he maintained over his fellow Tour players since 1996.

But he could catch fire down Melbourne way (excuse the metaphor, I realize that that part of the world has seen enough wildfire to hold it for a century or two), and suddenly Couples would appear a brilliant strategist. This is Tiger Woods, for God's sake, not Mike Donald (who?) or even Luke Donald, the world's current No. 1 player. Fourteen major wins is a major statement, even for a 35-year-old prodigy with baggage. Especially for him. That guy is still in there somewhere.

Or is he? Norman — whose anti-Obama comments a couple weeks back, while not unexpected from a multigazillionaire or pretty much any PGA Tour player on the planet, got him on my bad side — might have it right this time. Tiger is wobbly at best, with a balky putter and a swing that, according to Norman, doesn't look free and loose, like Tiger Circa 2000's did. He's pressing, he's searching, sometimes he looks downright confused, on the same level as any of us weekend hackers. And he's President's Cup material? Hmm. Maybe not.

Now let's take a look at Captain Couples, who blew out the field at last week's AT&T Championship by seven shots, and plays with the same super-cool, let-it-fly bravado that endeared him to us more than two decades ago. He can still bring it, which begs the question: Why can't he bring it as a player-captain? Because unlike the Ryder Cup, the President's Cup rules won't allow such double duty. I haven't taken the time to research just why the PGA Tour and international body movers and shakers decided to assume that stance, but it doesn't fit. One of golf's enduring charms is that a guy in his 50s with a dodgy lower back can still pound it 350 yards, make the occasional putt (even if it is with an abominable belly or long wand), and rack up scads of cash, right alongside dudes in their 20s and 30s. And Fred is that guy. Yeah, I know the Champions Tour is a much different, more user-friendly animal than the Big Show. But it ain't exactly hit-and-giggle, either. Those ol' boys can play. So why can't Couples strap it on right alongside his charges, and maybe show them a thing or two?

And why can't Tiger take notes from the sidelines, then earn his way on the next time?

Popular Golf Podcaster Hosts V-Day Vacation

While I understand the basic tenets of marketing, I'm one of those people who can't stand walking into Wal-Mart the day after Halloween only to be greeted by a sense-slamming array of what I call "KK" — Kristmas Krap. That said, I also understand that planning a good golf vacation takes some serious lead time, which is why, before we've even thrown the Thanksgiving bird into the oven, I'm giving ya'll a heads-up about a cool Valentine's Getaway hosted by longtime Fairways + Greens friend Fred Greene.

Slated for Feb. 9-13, The Golf Smarter Scottsdale Adventure, says Greene, “is going to be a great weekend of golf, sun, fun and surprises.” Open to Golf Smarter members and anyone dying to get in some top-drawer winter golf, the package includes four nights at Xona Resorts (I’ve stayed there, and can report that it’s as comfy and convenient as any digs in the Valley of the Sun) and rounds at four nearby, award-winning golf courses, starting with the Raptor course at Grayhawk Resort, followed by 18 of the 27 holes at Westin Kierland Resort, Pinnacle at Troon North and finally the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale — home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which will conclude just days before you step on the tee. Chances are you'll still hear the echose from its loud, raucous 16th hole.

Combining the amenities of a vacation condominium with all the services of a resort hotel, XONA Resort Suites has large comfortable beds and big rooms with free Wi-Fi and HD TVs. Each four-bedroom suite provides the comfort of your own private bedroom and bathroom with a common living room, dining room and fully furnished kitchen. Bring your spouse, partner, buddies, or come alone. Bring a foursome and have a full suite to yourselves. And this time no one has to sleep on the floor or couch, always a good thing.

Recent Golf Smarter guest, Jeff Ritter, hailed for his unique approach to coaching, will join the group for dinner and a podcast recording session.

Other after-golf events include a field trip, group dinners, and hanging out at the pool, along with a full menu of available activities for non-golfers, including a day of total indulgence at the Willow Stream Spa at the AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Deadline to RSVP is January 7. Fred and his lieutenants will arrange the tee-times, meals and accommodations; all you have to do is show up. Visit here to get the complete Golf Smarter lovin' feelin'.

Time for a World-Class Club Fitting Part 2

Now that my spanking-new, two-degree-flat TaylorMade Burner 2.0 irons are on their way to my doorstep (I just couldn't resist), I'm zeroing in on my big stick … uh, I mean the new Williams F32 driver that showed up a couple weeks ago (you can read about in the January-February edition of Fairways + Greens magazine).

The 9-degree stick was built to my specs, but not in person as with the irons, which I tested at Haggin Oaks' Performance Studio under the expert eye of crack clubfitter Shaun Barnes. Instead, I e-mailed the Britain-based Williams Golf rep my stats based on previous fitting I'd had via a certified KZG fitter near my home in Reno, Nev.

So, there it was, another 450cc beauty fresh out of the box, all shiny and sleek with its unique aerodynamic fins and channels along the head's lower-rear portion, loaded with a top-line Fujikura S-flex shaft.

I took it out in my front yard and gave it a few cursory swings. Felt good, felt right. But how would it perform when I actually took it to the range and on the course?

Damn well, turns out. After beating a few balls at Haggin Oaks with my previous driver (which I love, by the way), Barnes gave me the Trackman treatment, recording all the numbers that brought such stark clarity to my iron needs. Right away, the state-of-the-art machine pinpointed the ingrained bugaboos that have plagued my driving game for centuries. Or so it seems.

"You're hitting down on the ball, which is what causes that high ballflight," Barnes said. "The goal with the driver is to hit it with a slightly upward blow." I was also coming slightly over the top, another less-than-tour pro-level move. "Your sidespin rate is way too high."

The brutal proof was spelled out in my average flight distance — well under the 250 yards I had imagined. Not even close, in fact. Bummer.

So, out came the new Williams driver. Right away I, and Trackman, saw marked improvement — less of a fade, far better trajectory, a drop-off in sidespin. The only fly in the ointment was the same 10-yard yank that showed up with my existing irons. That said, this club felt really, really good at impact, with a solid "crack" sound as space age metal met range-ball rubber, nothing metallic or hollow. In a modern world crammed with perfectly rendered, computer-tested hackin' weaponry, this Williams thunderstick — no relation, by the way — has distinguished itself as worthy of its five-Benjy retail price tag.

"The club fits you better, for sure," Barnes said. "As for the little pull, just tee it up on the left side and aim down the right side of the fairway."

In other words, play the game with smarts befitting my advanced station in the game's historical arc — some 40 years of swaying between middling competence and flat-out "what the hell am I doing here?" cluelessness. For the moment, I'm clued in.

That's another by-product of the clubfitting process: Not only are you more aware of just how your body and swing connect to your equipment, you're more tuned in to actually playing the game. Self-knowledge begets course awareness. I like it. I like getting fitted, no matter what club I'm trying to figure out.

Barnes ended up putting a couple other drivers in my hands — new Ping and Nike models — and the Nike came closest to the Williams. But I'm not buying it. I'm sticking with this newfangled namesake boomer, and thanking my lucky stars that guys like Barnes are out there, ready to prove that I'm not just fooling myself: I can be better.

Visit Barnes and Haggin Oaks here.

Q Schoolers Go to Battle at Bayonet

Just five miles or so from Pebble Beach as the crow flies, Bayonet Golf Course more than matches up to that five time U.S. Open venue in difficulty and strategic heft. It even has the Pacific views — the entire breadth of Monterey Bay seen from several holes through the apt filter of cypress pines. And after architect Gene Bates completed his incredible multimillion-dollar overhaul a couple years ago — together with its completely reworked companion course Black Horse — Bayonet is definitely good enough to host an Open itself. Probably won't happen, but it's worth noting, and discovering why for yourself. Operated by the city of Seaside, it's now one of the best municipal courses in California, if not the nation.

This week, a full field of tour hopefuls will find out just what a complete challenge this former military track is. Bayonet is again one of five sites nationwide to host Stage II of PGA TOUR Qualifying School, which culminates in the pro game's most intense crucible — the Q School Finals — Dec. 1-16 at Orange County National in Orlando, Fla. No matter what the weather, young studs and fortysomething glory-chasers alike will get a full examination in every department. Narrow driving corridors between vaunted stands of old-growth trees that aren't as thick as in the old days, but still penal. Deep, gnarly rough. Speedy bentgrass greens (no more poa annua). Nasty sheer-faced bunkers. And, if organizers push the tees all the way back, 7,100 yards of sea level fun.

In other words, U.S. Open conditions. That's why in both its former and new configurations, Bayonet has hosted several Open qualifiers and is a regular on the Q School docket. It's also the way it should be if these guys expect to make a living playing golf. Get over the hump here and they'll find the final two stages a relative breeze if they keep their heads, which is no certainty. And that'll mean getting by a handful of holes in par over the qualifier's four days of competion — the par 5 opener, 476-yard par-4 ninth (easily the "new" course's best hole) and revamped "combat corner" holes of 11 through 13 and the big, sweeping finisher. To be honest, there's not a weak hole out there. From the tips, only one of four 3-pars clocks in at under 200 yards (No. 14, at 192), while Bates toughened the shortish par 4s (3 and 15) with wicked green complexes.

Bayonet, which opened in 1954, is steeped in golf and military history. Created on the site of the former Fort Ord by General Robert B. McClure, it was christened in honor of the 7th Infantry Light Fighter Division (nicknamed the “Bayonet Division”). Word is the general was a lefty with a nasty slice, hence its collection of tough dogleg-left holes. Bates managed to maintain some of that unique flavor while modernizing the overall layout to 21st century standards. The bunkering, for instance, is so much better both visually and strategically — a goal extended to even greater effect on Black Horse — that Bayonet now brings to mind some of the nation's favorite major venues, Augusta National included. And the greens, while smaller than Black Horse's, are rife with tricky, subtle slopes and big-boy pin positions.

So, after the Q Schoolers steel themselves to Bayonet's battle-hardened challenges, make that tee time, move up a set or two and take it on with relaxed confidence while taking in the views with appreciation for that certain Monterey magic. And don't miss the more open, rambling Black Horse either; Bates' changes there are even more profound, and just as pleasing.

Want more reason to make the trip? See FG Magazine's 2009 reviews of Bayonet and Blackhorse.

Go here for a list of entrants, including several former PGA Tour winners.

Time for a World-Class Golf Club Fitting, Part 1

Shaun Barnes wasted little time digging right in to my golf swing and coming up with the dirt.

"Grab a 6-iron," said the soft-spoken PGA pro who heads up the impressive and popular Player Performance Studio at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in his native Sacramento, Calif. So I did, and started beating balls from a huge basket at a target flag about 150 yards away with my five-year-old TaylorMade r7XD mid-stick. My swing felt OK after a snowy, 120-mile drive from Reno, and I was making fair contact, though with a persistent 15-yard yank — a shot with which I'm sadly familiar.

After a dozen shots on the tricked-up, state-of-the-art Trackman system, which records every element of a golf swing and ballflight in three dimensions, Barnes (shown in the photo above) directed me to a big monitor and rolled through several screens revealing a dizzying grid of numbers: Golden oldies like club speed, ball speed, face angle and launch angle plus a wealth of what were, to me, more esoteric figures like attack angle, dynamic loft, spin axis, smash factor and maximum height. Barnes zeroed in on the truly salient figures for my situation — ball speed (marginally slow off the face), launch angle (downward blow, that's good), launch spin (I was coming a few degrees over top, not all that unusual for iron play) and smash factor (I was making contact near the center of the face, though toward the toe, time after time). And my ball flight was a little high.

Not a lot of surprises there. I'm still a steep hitter, even after working assiduously to flatten out my swing. I tend to come out of my posture to make solid contact, hence the toe-hooks. And I put too much spin on the pill, costing me distance. At least my smash factor was pretty good.

But, for most hackers like me, the truth hurts, and Trackman doesn't lie. Its brand of techno-honesty has pretty much revolutionized the entire golf club industry, making world-class operators like Ken Morton Sr. and Jr. — easily the most respected golf course-based retailers in America — very happy indeed.

Says Ken Sr., "Over the past five years, it hasn't been that the technology of making clubs has changed too much, but the clubfitting process. Back in the old days, a pro would watch a guy's swing and, just through experience, figure out what he needed to do with his equipment. Now, with the Trackman, there's no guesswork. It's truly amazing."

And in the hands of an award-winning fitting master like Barnes, it's indispensable. After I hit a few more 6-irons adorned with face tape showing my toe bias, he grabbed the head of a new Burner 2.0 6-iron, screwed it onto a lightweight steel shaft resembling those in my sticks, and had me hit eight balls without telling me its lie angle.

The improvement was immediate and downright pleasing to ear, eye and heart. The ball jumped off the clubface with a solid click, flew out of the Performance Studio's covered bay at a slightly more penetrating angle and — miracle of miracles — headed toward the target pin with impunity. And that was just tweaking the club's lie, with no other adjustments.

Back at the Trackman screen, the numbers told a much happier tale: Not only was I hitting the ball straighter, I was gaining about 7 yards with the same club. And nailing it square every time.

"It's two degrees flat," Barnes finally told me. "I didn't want to say before, because it would cause you to change your swing."

That's the whole point of clubfitting: To strip away swing-to-swing vagaries and fashion a set of sticks that fit whatever move each individual player — from tour pro to 20-handicapper — tends to produce through the bag. A dozen years ago, when I was a lot more pliant, my swing was far more upright. Now it's shorter, rounder and slower, though still on the quick side. And I was fitted for a set of Ping ISIs that were two degrees upright!

That's a four-degree swing in 12 years, and I get why. I'd been working hard to go flat (which, in reality, ain't all that flat at all), and it was working. Trackman had just backed up my efforts, telling Barnes exactly what he needed to know to get me producing far more efficient strikes. I see a new set of Burner 2.0s in my future.

Then it was onto the driver, with which I've had a love-hate relationship for years. I go through bombers like most people go through burgers — with reckless, hungry abandon. If I could just find one to love for the long haul, I'd be ecstatic.

Next time, I'll reveal just how close I came to the promised land, again with Barnes' help.

In the meantime, visit Haggin Oaks' Player Performance Studio yourself.

Harding's New TPC Affiliation is a Good Thing

I sense a regular PGA Tour event coming to the west side of San Francisco. Or, at the very least, a more frequent visit from the folks from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Just before Wednesday's Charles Schwab Cup pro-am, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and several San Francisco officials announced that historic Harding Park has become part of the TPC Network and will be operated by PGA Tour Golf Course Properties for no management fee.

It's a big deal, and it makes perfect sense.

Through terms of the 9½-year agreement, the facility will be known as TPC Harding Park. The championship course — which hosted the 2009 Presidents Cup and 2005 World Golf Championships-American Express Championship (remember the Tiger-Daly playoff?) will maintain its iconic cypress tree as part of a revised logo, and a new logo has been created for the facility’s Fleming 9 course, as well.

While not specifically included in the deal, the PGA Tour pledged to donate any incentive bonuses received for successfully operating the historic course to The First Tee of San Francisco, a chapter of The First Tee that is based at the Fleming 9 course, as well as to other local charities. The First Tee is a non-profit initiative of the World Golf Foundation dedicated to impacting the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The TPC partnership should be a huge boost for San Francisco's First Tee chapter, putting it on a par with very successful programs in Sacramento and Northern Nevada.

Joining Finchem in making the announcement were Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department; defending Schwab Cup Championship winner John Cook and David Pillsbury, president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties and executive vice president for the tour's Championship Management division.

San Francisco resident Sandy Tatum, who spearheaded the renaissance of Harding Park eight years ago and was instrumental in the creation of The First Tee of San Francisco, for which he serves as Board of Directors chairman, was also honored for his leadership with proclamations from the city and the PGA Tour Policy Board.

“Harding Park has a storied history and is a longstanding source of pride for San Francisco,” said Sean Elsbernd, San Francisco District 7 Supervisor. “We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the incredible dedication and perseverance of Sandy Tatum, who helped bring the facility back to life. And now, today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for Harding Park and guarantees its long-term quality as a world-class venue and provides the opportunity to host more PGA TOUR events here.”

The agreement expands the PGA TOUR’s presence in the San Francisco Bay Area, which includes the operation of TPC Stonebrae in Hayward and several tournaments in addition to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship – the Nationwide Tour’s Fresh Express Classic, held April 15-18 at TPC Stonebrae; the Frys.com Open, held Oct. 14-17 at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin; and last year’s Presidents Cup, which took place at TPC Harding Park.

“The PGA TOUR is pleased and proud to further expand our involvement with Harding Park, as well as our presence in the San Francisco area with this new agreement,” Finchem said. “Harding Park truly is one of the country’s great municipal golf facilities and has been a terrific host site for the American Express Championship, last year’s Presidents Cup and now the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. We look forward to a wonderful long-term partnership with the City of San Francisco at TPC Harding Park.”

Ginsburg agreed. “The TPC designation elevates Harding Park to one of the premier public courses in the country,” he said. “The accolades the course has received in recent years are a direct reflection of the hard work our partners and our staff have put into realizing its potential.”

The original Sam Whiting and Willie Watson-designed championship course at Harding Park opened in 1925 and began hosting amateur tournaments soon after — most prominently the San Francisco City Championship and the United States Golf Association’s National Public Links Championships in 1937 and 1956. Harding Park’s legacy for hosting professional tournaments began with the 1944 Victory Open and won by the likes of Byron Nelson and Jimmy Demaret. Professional golf continued with the Lucky International Open in the 1960s, an event whose champions included World Golf Hall of Fame members Gary Player, Gene Littler, Jackie Burke, Jr., Chi Chi Rodriguez, and San Francisco’s own Ken Venturi.

Having fallen into disrepair, Harding Park underwent a monumental restoration in 2002-2003 that was spearheaded by Tatum, a respected lawyer, accomplished golfer (having won the 1942 NCAA Championship while at Stanford) and former United States Golf Association President. Under Tatum’s stewardship, in partnership with the City of San Francisco, the course was restored to its original glory through a re-design by former PGA TOUR architect Chris Gray, with consultation from Venturi. The result is a highly acclaimed championship course that maintains the character and integrity of the original layout, but incorporates design elements and infrastructure to accommodate today’s players. Harding Park is now a deserving (and the only public-access) third leg of San Francisco's must-play triumvirate, along with San Francisco Golf Club and the Olympic Club, both within a 10-minute drive — except you'll have to know a member to get on the other two.

“We are excited to provide local residents, tournament fans and the community with an outstanding PGA Tour experience, while preserving and perpetuating the rich history and traditions of this treasured City of San Francisco landmark,” Pillsbury said. “It’s important to note that this is a true non-profit arrangement that will benefit The First Tee of San Francisco and the city. We look forward to impacting lives and enhancing communities through our support of local grass roots charitable organizations and causes throughout the Bay Area.”

The Charles Schwab Cup Championship has raised more than $2.4 million for local charities since its arrival in Northern California in 2003; it was previously played at Sonoma National 40 minutes north of the city. The First Tee of San Francisco serves as the primary beneficiary of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Hundreds of other local non-profit organizations will benefit from the tournament through the tour's unique Tickets Fore Charity fundraising initiative.

For tee time reservations or more information visit www.tpc.com, and see Fairways + Greens' recommendations on where else to play in the Bay Area during your Harding Park visit.

Half Moon Bay 'Seals' the Deal

Anyone with the slimmest knowledge of military matters knows the Navy SEALs comprise some of the toughest, strongest and most well-trained soldiers in the world. They perform special operations with a high level of risk, making them indispensable to American security. That fact isn't lost on Kenmark Golf Management honcho Mark Kendall, who this year decided to put one his company's greatest golf venues — Half Moon Bay Golf Links and Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, located along a scenic stretch of California coast a half hour south of San Francisco — to great work this fall.

Under Kendall's leadership, The Naval Special Warfare Foundation and Half Moon Bay raised over $500,000 for the families of U.S. Navy SEALs and their support personnel at the inaugural “SEAL Tribute Celebration and Golf Tournament” on Oct. 4.

Featured guests included Medal of Honor recipient Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael E. Thornton (ret.), Vice Admiral (SEAL) Albert M. Calland, III (ret.), and Rear Admiral (SEAL) Thomas R. Richards (ret.). The exclusive golf tournament took place on Half Moon Bay Golf Links’ Ocean and Old Courses, with sponsors playing and interacting with members of the SEAL community.

The day concluded with over 200 participants attending a Gala Dinner in the ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, with addresses by Lieutenant Thornton, Admiral Richards, and Ms. Krissy Rankin, whose fiancé was a Navy SEAL and died in the line of duty.

“We did not have the support of a foundation helping us back in my day,” says Lieutenant Thornton. “The Navy SEALs are making great sacrifices to protect our freedom and our country. As Americans, we need to provide the same for their families and the Naval Special Warfare Foundation offers this assistance.”

“It was invigorating and inspiring to watch Americans rally on behalf of the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, the SEALs and their loved ones,” added Kendall. “Despite the economy and downturn in large events and outings, golf is still a unifying game that brings people together over a shared cause.”

“Half Moon Bay Golf Links has been an incredible partner," says Kristi Cummings, director, Naval Special Warfare Foundation. "They understand the many sacrifices made not only by these amazing warriors, but by their families as well, and they have certainly created a wonderful venue for people to come out to show their appreciation.”

No doubt about that. Set against the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay Golf Links features thirty-six holes of championship golf; a clubhouse with a full-service pro shop offering the latest equipment and fashionable apparel; and the popular ocean-view restaurant, Mullins Bar & Grill, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual fireside dining setting. Right next door, the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is one of the finest hotels on the California coast, with five-star accommodations, incredible restaurants and great views of both golf courses.

Opening ceremonies for the SEALs fundraising event began Monday with the U.S. Navy color guard and a Half Moon Bay High School trio singing the national anthem. A brief presentation followed with the retirement of an American flag recently flown in Afghanistan by a U.S. Navy SEAL team.

The SEAL – Naval Special Warfare Foundation was founded in 2000, and while they were not established because of the war, their mission in serving the U.S. Navy SEALs and their families has been made more important and more difficult as a result of it. As the frequent deployments continue and the injuries mount, the programs and services of the SEAL – Naval Special Warfare Foundation are more critical than ever. The Foundation provides support for the U.S. Navy SEALs, the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and families of Naval Special Warfare through Health and Welfare programs, Education and Motivation and History and Heritage.

Next year’s event will be held on September 30 and October 1.