Colonial, pro golfers pay tribute to Wounded Warriors
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football team took in first-round action of the Colonial on Thursday.
The group of 20-plus, which consists of veterans who lost an arm or leg while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, got the chance to watch and interact with a number of PGA Tour pros and enjoy lunch in Fort Worth.
“It was great being here today,” said Mike Cain, a Wounded Warrior and Wisconsin native. “I love golf. I play golf myself. I suck, but I play, so it was fantastic.
“It was pretty cool seeing Vijay Singh. Vijay looked at me and gave me a thumbs up, so that was pretty cool.”
Shortly after lunch, the team headed back to Dallas to play in a scheduled exhibition flag football game against NFL alumni — including former Cowboys greats Roger Staubach, Charles Haley and Daryl Johnston — at Dallas Jesuit.
The game benefited the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team and disabled veterans across Texas.
Dallas native Jordan Spieth and Colonial officials sponsored the day at Colonial for the team.
Cadillac Lounge
Cadillac is back for its 33rd year at Colonial in the Cadillac Luxury Lounge, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the 10th fairway.
The climate-controlled lounge is a popular place for those looking to escape the weather conditions and watch the TV coverage indoors on the four 60-inch Sony flat screens. Fans can also relax on the lounge’s patio that is larger than in past years and provides a view of the 18th green across Crampton’s Lake.
There are four Cadillacs on display at the lounge and golf fans can get a sneak preview of these vehicles that have not been released.
There is a cash bar and free samples of Crown Royal and Sabino Sotello cigars available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to those who participate in the Cadillac Social Share Challenge.
TaylorMade test
In its first year at Colonial, the TaylorMade Performance Experience presented by Charles Schwab is giving golf fans the chance to have their swing analyzed and demo the latest equipment from TaylorMade.
Located just off the bridge between the 10th and 11th fairways, it has benefited from the high traffic of fans flowing across to No. 13.
On the analysis side, they record their swing with a 6-iron using digital video and motion analysis and the GolfTEC pro will create the online lesson and send it back to them through Charles Schwab’s website.
Video playback, instructional tips and video drills are all included for the golfer to reference and help them improve their swing.
The new TaylorMade R15 and Aero Burner drivers and RSi irons are available for demo.
An Irish presence
Colonial patrons looking to take a trip to Ireland have a source of contact at the Colonial, should they so desire one.
Tourism Ireland, which works with the Irish government to promote travel and golf throughout the country, has a presence at the tournament with a booth located inside the Colonial Main Street.
Tourism Ireland is targeting Texans who enjoy golf to play the sport at one of the company’s 22 recommended courses — links courses that are true to the origins of the sport, consisting of open area with few trees or water hazards.
Capture the flag
Crowne Plaza is playing a game of Capture the Flag, Colonial-style.
PGA Tour pros Ben Crane and Andres Gonzales signed a Crowne Plaza Invitational flag and strategically hid it out on the course for one lucky fan to find.
Crowne Plaza Invitational will be posting photos and clues and another video on its Facebook page on Friday to help fans “capture the flag.”
The lucky fan who finds it can tag the Crowne Plaza Invitational on social media using #CaptureColonial and #CPIAC.
This story was originally published May 21, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Colonial, pro golfers pay tribute to Wounded Warriors."