L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — The start of the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic didn’t begin with the swing of a golf club. It started with the roar of F-16s.
The “Folds of Honor Friday” opening ceremony welcomed military service members and first responders to the Lehigh Country Club ahead of the tournament’s tee-off, while also sharing the mission of the nonprofit.
“We raise money for the spouses and children of our fallen military service members and first responders, as well as military service members and first responders who had a life changing injury,” said John “Hatch” Borneman, a Marine Corps combat veteran and the Mid-Atlantic Folds of Honor chapter president.
After the opening came the first ceremonial swing.
Build-up for the inaugural event has been taking place since Monday, marking a brand new PGA Tour Champions event.
“It’s a 54-hole stroke play competition on the senior PGA tour,” said tournament director, Tommy Sullivan.
Crews have been working around the clock to ensure the grounds are in tip-top shape for the competition bringing in big-name golfers.
The gallery filled to watch the tournament unfold.
“We watch golf on TV, but we’ve never been to a live event, so when this came available, I got tickets back in June already,” said Linda Reinhard, from South Whitehall Township.
If you’re just getting into the sport, organizers say they made sure there was something for everyone.
“Kids and families and folks that want to come watch football, we’ve created a space in our Wind Creek Tailgate Zone that you can watch football and golf at the same time,” explained Sullivan.
The event also features food trucks, kids putting challenges, and an EY Sensory Center on the ninth green, thanks to Jefferson doctors.
It’s the perfect start to the weekend-long tournament in Lower Macungie Township.
Gates will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and on Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m.