PGA Tour Superstore Brings TAPS Families Together
Author: TAPS
Survivors Share Past and Present Memories at Special Golf Experiences
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, teams4taps and the PGA TOUR Superstore joined forces to create events for survivors to honor their military loved ones through their favorite sport— golf! Survivors attended a wide range of events all across the country, where they attended PGA tournaments, got fit for new golf clubs and attire, hit some golf balls at Topgolf, and even played a round or two of golf.
“We are committed to organizations like TAPS and its mission to support military families who have lost a loved one by creating experiences that help them embark on their journey of healing and hope. We were proud to celebrate with these special families and honor our fallen heroes through the vehicle of golf.”
Siah Burton, Community Relations Manager, PGA TOUR Superstore
Boston, Massachusetts
Following a morning visit to the PGA TOUR Superstore in Boston, Massachusetts, surviving families headed to the Hanscom Air Force Base, where they played nine holes of golf on the Patriot Golf Course. PGA TOUR Superstore associates from all three of its Boston locations joined the families and offered golf tips. While out on the course, the group also had the opportunity to try out their new clubs.
Minnetonka, Minnesota
The PGA TOUR Superstore hosted a VIP experience for two surviving families in Minnetonka, Minnesota. During the group’s in-store time, store associates provided their expertise and insight on what items would suit the families best. Survivors later headed to Topgolf for a fun afternoon of food, entertainment, and golf. For Jill Stephenson, the surviving mother of Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp and TAPS Peer Mentor, the event was a welcome time to connect with her father, Jon Burud, as they remembered her son.
Jon Burud, the surviving grandfather of Corporal Benjamin S. Kopp, tested out new golf clubs with a PGA TOUR Superstore associate during an in-store experience in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Palm Beach, Florida
The surviving family of Corporal Ian Thomas Zook enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the PGA National Golf Club and PGA TOUR Superstore in Palm Beach, Florida. After a one-on-one experience with the store’s general manager, the family joined store associates for lunch. Mark Zook, the surviving father of Corporal Ian Thomas Zook, capped off the day by joining his new PGA TOUR Superstore friends for a round of golf on the Palmer Course, named in honor of golfing legend Arnold Palmer.
At the PGA National Golf Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, Mark Zook, the surviving father of Corporal Ian Thomas Zook, joined a PGA TOUR Superstore General Manager and Associate.
McKinney, Texas
Hosted by the Bunker hospitality area in McKinney, Texas, surviving families enjoyed watching their favorite PGA golfers at the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament. Included in the group was another Byron Nelson, the surviving brother-in-law of Technical Sergeant David Allen Schaub, Jr., named after the golfer Byron Nelson.
“We are so thankful that TAPS and the PGA TOUR Superstore support TAPS Families. It restores our soul when we are able to honor David’s memory. It gave my family the opportunity to share memories both past and present. Thank you PGA TOUR Superstore and TAPS for being part of our journey as we live a GREAT story!”
Andrea Schaub, Surviving Spouse of Technical Sergeant David Allen Schaub Jr., U.S. Air Force; TAPS Peer Mentor
The PGA TOUR Superstore hosted the family of Fallen Hero Technical Sergeant David Allen Schaub, Jr. at the AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament in McKinney, Texas.
Denver, Colorado
At the PGA TOUR Superstore shopping experience in Denver, Colorado, many survivors opted for golf balls, bags, gloves, or even new golf clubs. Titus and Matthew Kallander, the surviving nephews of Sergeant Benjamin Edward Kallander and Corporal Brian Carl Kallander, had their eyes set on new pairs of shoes. Since they grew up in a large family, most of their clothes and shoes were hand-me-downs from older siblings. The PGA TOUR Superstore experience offered them their first opportunity to pick out new pairs of shoes.
At the PGA TOUR Superstore experience in Denver, Colorado, Titus and Matthew Kallendar, the surviving nephews of Sergeant Benjamin Edward Kallander and Corporal Brian Carl Kallander, picked out new golf shoes.
Scottsdale, Arizona
While growing up, Specialist Wyatt Joseph Martin loved sports and began playing baseball. A knee injury meant that he needed to change to a new sport – and he chose golf. By learning to play golf from his Grandpa Joe, Wyatt improved his skills and made the varsity golf team at his high school. During the PGA TOUR Superstore event in Scottsdale, Arizona, Julie Martin, the surviving mother of Specialist Wyatt Joseph Martin and TAPS Peer Mentor, was inspired to play in honor of her son with a new set of golf clubs.
Julie Martin, the surviving mother of Specialist Wyatt Joseph Martin and TAPS Peer Mentor, received a new set of golf clubs in honor of her son, thanks to the PGA TOUR Superstore in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Through Sports | teams4taps
teams4taps works with teams across the country to bring joy to surviving military families and to honor the lives of their fallen heroes. TAPS Families have been able to honor their loved ones through golf, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and more.
Was a certain team a favorite of your Fallen Hero? Did you and your loved one watch or attend games together?
Do you have a story about your Fallen Hero and a favorite player? If your loved one had a special story or connection with a sports team or professional athlete, teams4taps would love to hear it. Submit your stories and photos on our website or by email at teams4taps@taps.org.