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Photo by: Adam Mackey/GCAA
Tulsa’s Roller and Stephens to Compete in 2024 Patriot All-America Classic
12/28/2024 3:23:00 PM | Women's Golf
LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. –– The University of Tulsa women's golfers Allyn Stephens and Jenni Roller are set to tee off at the 2024 Patriot All-America Classic at the Wigram Golf Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona this week.
The tournament closes out the year, starting with 18 holes on Sunday, Dec. 29 and running through New Year's Eve on Tuesday. The women will compete on the Blue Course, a par 70, 6,000-yard course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The first two rounds begin at 10:30 a.m. (CT), with a 10:00 a.m. start for Tuesday's final round.
Roller will tee off at 10 on Sunday morning from hole one, while Stephens begins a bit earlier on hole 10 at 9:40.
A unique touch to this Classic is, in addition to the 54 holes of stroke-play tournament, the golfers will honor military heroes. At the opening ceremony, each golfer receives and carries a commemorative PING golf bag bearing the name and branch of a wounded or fallen hero. Golfers also have an opportunity to visit Luke Air Force Base, which is the training base for American F-16 and F-35 fighter pilots.
The All-America Cllassic is one of the premier events of the winter season, offering a meaningful experience as it honors fallen soldiers and their families," Tulsa head coach Mike Roters said. "Having two of our players participate in this event is a true privilege and serves as a powerful reminder of the greater purpose behind our opportunities to pursue what we love—opportunities made possible by the sacrifices of so many."
Roller will carry the name of Marine Corporal Jared M. Shoemaker, a Tulsa native who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in Broken Arrow. Shoemaker was killed on September 4, 2006, in the Al Anbar province in Iraq when his armored vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Shoemaker was posthumously awarded the Albert E. Schwab Non-commissioned Officer of the Year in 2006 and is survived by his wife Kari, who he married in 1999.
Stephens' bag will wear the name of Staff Sergeant Charles Eggleston, who began his career in the Army in 1993. Eggleston was sent to Iraq a few months after 9/11, where he served three consecutive tours. In 2005, he was struck by an improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq, causing critical damage to his back, head, legs and arms. He was treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Unfortunately, his physical and mental recovery was hampered by the poor conditions and management at the hospital. He bravely spoke out against it, marking the start of his impassioned advocacy for Veterans and their caregivers.
SSGT Eggleston credits golf with saving his life, saying it helped him take back his physical and mental well-being after PGA golfer Jim Estes introduced him to the sport and he fell in love.
This is the first tournament for Tulsa golfers since the Charles Schwab Invitational at the end of October. The Golden Hurricane will start the spring season on Feb. 2 at the UCF Challenge in Orlando.
The tournament closes out the year, starting with 18 holes on Sunday, Dec. 29 and running through New Year's Eve on Tuesday. The women will compete on the Blue Course, a par 70, 6,000-yard course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The first two rounds begin at 10:30 a.m. (CT), with a 10:00 a.m. start for Tuesday's final round.
Roller will tee off at 10 on Sunday morning from hole one, while Stephens begins a bit earlier on hole 10 at 9:40.
A unique touch to this Classic is, in addition to the 54 holes of stroke-play tournament, the golfers will honor military heroes. At the opening ceremony, each golfer receives and carries a commemorative PING golf bag bearing the name and branch of a wounded or fallen hero. Golfers also have an opportunity to visit Luke Air Force Base, which is the training base for American F-16 and F-35 fighter pilots.
The All-America Cllassic is one of the premier events of the winter season, offering a meaningful experience as it honors fallen soldiers and their families," Tulsa head coach Mike Roters said. "Having two of our players participate in this event is a true privilege and serves as a powerful reminder of the greater purpose behind our opportunities to pursue what we love—opportunities made possible by the sacrifices of so many."
Roller will carry the name of Marine Corporal Jared M. Shoemaker, a Tulsa native who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in Broken Arrow. Shoemaker was killed on September 4, 2006, in the Al Anbar province in Iraq when his armored vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Shoemaker was posthumously awarded the Albert E. Schwab Non-commissioned Officer of the Year in 2006 and is survived by his wife Kari, who he married in 1999.
Stephens' bag will wear the name of Staff Sergeant Charles Eggleston, who began his career in the Army in 1993. Eggleston was sent to Iraq a few months after 9/11, where he served three consecutive tours. In 2005, he was struck by an improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq, causing critical damage to his back, head, legs and arms. He was treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Unfortunately, his physical and mental recovery was hampered by the poor conditions and management at the hospital. He bravely spoke out against it, marking the start of his impassioned advocacy for Veterans and their caregivers.
SSGT Eggleston credits golf with saving his life, saying it helped him take back his physical and mental well-being after PGA golfer Jim Estes introduced him to the sport and he fell in love.
This is the first tournament for Tulsa golfers since the Charles Schwab Invitational at the end of October. The Golden Hurricane will start the spring season on Feb. 2 at the UCF Challenge in Orlando.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
/ Women's Golf
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