Saluting PGA Professionals who have gone above and beyond for the families of those who served

Seven years ago, Stephen Nacewicz put together a one-day golf tournament to raise funds for Folds of Honor, the nonprofit that gives educational scholarships to families of fallen and disabled service members. Today, that annual golf fundraiser, dubbed “Fairway Fore Freedom,” has become one of the community’s most talked about events.

Why did you first start participating in Patriot Golf Day?

There are so many reasons I wanted to start participating in Patriot Golf Day, but the main reason is simple: I wanted to give back. For the last seven years, having an ownership position at Crestwood Golf Club has provided me with an opportunity to do just that, and we decided that Folds of Honor would be a perfect fit for us to serve the men and women of our military who have served us. I have often stolen the slogan, “freedom is not free,” and I am aware that many freedoms that I enjoy on a daily basis are because of the true heroes of our country, those that serve and have served our military.

How does your club participate in Patriot Golf Day?

Crestwood Golf Club, in Marcy, New York, is proud to have run the largest Patriot Golf Day event within our PGA Section for the last seven years. We run a one-day tournament with 160 players and over 200 total participants including our volunteers. Our event is named “Fairway Fore Freedom,” and it has become very well-known in our community – in fact, we’re proud to boast that we have had a waitlist for participation into the event since our very first in 2012. In the spring, our members come into my office, wish me a hello, and then ask me three questions: “Pro, when is Member – Guest?” “When is the Club Championship?” and “When is the Folds of Honor event?” It has become a golf major at Crestwood!

What makes your Patriot Golf Day event successful?

It is simple – the people make our event successful. The players, our volunteers, vendor relationships, active and retired military, and our many generous sponsors all make the Fairway Fore Freedom event successful from year to year. All who participate annually share a laugh, a story, a smile and a tear during our event. Our opening and closing ceremonies are emotional because the people know that our “freedom is not free.” The entire day is a day filled with respect, admiration and honor to all of our heroes both past and present.

Stephen Nacewicz, PGA

Thank you to all participating PGA Professionals