WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. – (June 12, 2018): The PGA TOUR officially approved today the rebranding of The Greenbrier Classic to A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier. The annual PGA TOUR FedExCup stop at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., will begin using the new name and logo immediately.
“We want the world to know that the military comes first, and our focus is on those men and women above everything else,” said West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. “Our new name reflects our commitment to celebrating and honoring the United States Military with everything we do.”
The tournament’s focus on the military will expand far beyond the name change. Active military, as well as veterans, will be admitted to A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier free of charge, and they will receive complimentary access to the Stars and Stripes Outpost. The air-conditioned building includes seating, televisions, private bathrooms and food and beverage for sale.
Tuesday, July 3, will be Military Appreciation Day, and all veterans and active military will be presented with a voucher for a complimentary lunch.
As the United States celebrates its independence on July 4, the tournament will join the festivities with a fly-over and other events to commemorate America’s birthday at America’s Resort.
“Our state has more military members per capita than any other state, and those men and women are unbelievably important to us,” said Governor Justice. “This entire tournament is a tremendous way for all West Virginians to show their appreciation.”
The Greenbrier, which has hosted the tournament since 2010, also has a close connection to the military. More than 70 Team Members on staff at America’s Resort have served in the military, and 27 United States presidents have visited the grounds of The Greenbrier. From 1942 through 1946, the United States Army took full control of The Greenbrier and operated the 2,000-bed Ashford General Hospital. During that five-year stretch, more than 24,000 soldiers were treated at the surgical and rehabilitation center.
From 1961 through 1992, a secret government fallout shelter was maintained in a constant state of readiness at The Greenbrier. It was meant to house members of the United States Congress in the event of an attack on America. The 112,544-square-foot facility housed 18 dormitories, a clinic, a laboratory, a pharmacy, a cafeteria, meeting rooms, a communication room and more. It was decommissioned in after being exposed in The Washington Post, and today tours are offered to registered hotel guests and the general public.
“The connection between The Greenbrier and the United States Military is undeniable,” said Dr. Jill Justice, President, The Greenbrier. “We’re proud of that history and equally proud of the men and women who help protect our freedom today. We couldn’t be more excited about showing that appreciation through the name change and hosting a tournament focused on honoring the military.”
The 2018 Military Tribute at The Greenbrier will be held July 2-8 on the historic Old White TPC Course.
About A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier
A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier is an annual PGA TOUR FedExCup event that began in 2010 on the historic Old White TPC Course on the grounds of The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. It operated as The Greenbrier Classic from 2010 through 2017, before a name change prior to the 2018 tournament. One of the most popular family events on the PGA TOUR, the tournament has drawn top-level golfers including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Sergio Garcia, John Daly and many others to the famed grounds of The Greenbrier’s 11,000-acre playground. Past champions include Stuart Appleby, Scott Stallings, Ted Potter Jr., Jonas Blixt, Angel Cabrera, Danny Lee and Xander Schauffele. The tournament includes 156 players with a total purse of $7,300,000. The event is carried live on The Golf Channel Thursday and Friday and on CBS Saturday and Sunday.
About The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is a luxury mountain resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. With a history dating back to 1778, the 710 perfectly appointed Signature Resort Rooms, Classic and Historic Suites, Legacy Cottages and Estate Homes are situated on The Greenbrier’s breathtaking 11,000-acre playground. Play championship golf courses or experience more than 55 activities. America’s only private casino features table games, slot machines and simulcast racing. The Greenbrier’s full-service mineral spa is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious in the world, and the Retail Collection is comprised of 36 boutiques, shops and hand-crafted works of art. The Greenbrier Restaurant Collection includes 20 restaurants, cafés and lounges. The Greenbrier Clinic has been practicing diagnostic medicine since 1948, and The Greenbrier Sporting Club is the pinnacle of luxury real estate. Follow The Greenbrier on Facebook at The Greenbrier, on Twitter at @the_greenbrier or on Instagram at the_greenbrier.
