Last week Superior National golf pro Heath Ekstrom took a few practice swings in preparation for his 100 rounds of golf that he will play on September 11 as a fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Foundation distributes funds to kids and spouses of fallen (or seriously wounded) veterans for college.
Superior National at Lutsen golf pro Heath Ekstrom loves to play golf, but even his love of the game will be tested on September 11 when he attempts to play 100 holes in 24 hours.
“It’s a lot of golf but it’s for a good purpose,” Ekstrom said, adding he probably hasn’t played a total of 100 rounds this summer.
And if the weather holds up and Ekstrom holds up, he may even play more than 100 holes!
“I have timed myself and I can play 9 holes of golf in 45 minutes if the course is clear. That’s if everything goes all right. The day I play I will have to complete 12 plus rounds to make my goal of 100 holes. My cart is going to be decked out with American flags and golfers on the course will be notified about what I am attempting to do and hopefully they will let me play through,” he said.
Ekstrom is taking part in Patriot Golf Day, a nationwide fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships for spouses and children of military members who have been disabled or killed while serving the country.
“I will be playing to honor George Nelson Jr., who gifted the land to Cook County that Superior National at Lutsen stands on,” said Ekstrom. “George was a World War ll veteran and a 10th Mountain Division specialist. I have wanted to honor him for what he has done for this golf course and for our community and this seemed like the perfect tribute.”
As the biggest fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, Patriot Golf Day has raised more than $17 million in the last seven years and that has meant they could grant more than 5,000 scholarships.
To date several people and businesses have made pledges, but Ekstrom is hoping for more support so he can raise as much money as he can for the families of fallen or wounded veterans. He also hopes this initial outing will someday grow into a Folds of Honor Foundation tournament.
Ekstrom will take to the tee box 6:30 a.m. on the 11th. He and Superior National are taking pledges and donations right up to the day of the marathon challenge. If you would like to contribute, please call (218) 663-7195 or e-mail snlproshop@gmail.com.
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