LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The victorious United States Ryder Cup Team and Captain Paul Azinger combined for a donation of $130,000 to Patriot Golf Day, the primary fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships for dependents and spouses of service members who have either perished or returned wounded while serving their country.

The donation was part of the Ryder Cup Outreach Program, which originated in 1999 and has resulted in a $2.6 million being distributed to charities and universities on behalf of the American participants in the Ryder Cup. Since the Ryder Cup Outreach Program began, a total of $13 million has been donated on behalf of the Ryder Cup Team and Captain.

The 37th Ryder Cup concluded Sept. 21, at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky.

"I can not think of any better cause that our team could be associated with than to honor the families of those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country," said Azinger. "The Folds of Honor Foundation has made a wonderful impact and we are very proud to support their efforts."

Patriot Golf Day, which was conducted this year during the Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29 to Sept. 1), was founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional from Broken Arrow, Okla., and a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. This week, Rooney returned to duty for a third tour of Iraq, but not before sending a personal videotaped message to the U.S. Team.

Rooney also presented to each team member a model replica of the F-16 aircraft he flies, with a Ryder Cup logo on the plane's tail.

Folds of Honor Executive Director Major (Ret.) Ed Pulido of Edmond, Okla., visited the Ryder Cup to promote and thank PGA Professionals and the U.S. Ryder Cup Team for their support of Patriot Golf Day, which manifested itself in new and creative "Best Practices" at facilities throughout the country.

"To have Captain Paul Azinger and the U.S. Ryder Cup Team make this generous donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation is truly appreciated," said Pulido. "They represent the many patriots around the country who have stepped up and given to the families of those who have served us so well. It's important for me to thank all PGA Professionals for their support, and as Major Rooney serves now, we are reminded of our freedom where we can experience such great events as the Ryder Cup."

About The Folds of Honor Foundation
The Folds of Honor Foundation is a legacy foundation designed to provide educational scholarships for dependents and spouses of service members who are either killed or disabled while serving and defending our nation. Patriot Golf Day, the primary fund-raiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, was created by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Okla. On September 1, 2007, thousands of golfers across the nation added $1 to their greens fees or made a donation at their golf club in support of this inaugural event. More than $1.1 million was raised to support the families of veterans who have been injured or perished in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.

This year, Patriot Golf Day was conducted during the Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29 -- Sept. 1) with Rooney once again at the front to lead the mission before he reported for a third tour of duty in Iraq as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association and has also garnered tremendous support from many of the country's leading golf television personalities, manufacturers, media outlets and organizations.

About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry. The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.

The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.