Las Vegas, Nev. (Oct. 22, 2015)–It’s a simple gesture and one from the heart: Callaway Golf is giving back to those who have sacrificed for the United States of America. Wounded veterans Ruben Cervantez and Joe Perez got the full Callaway Golf club fitting treatment at TPC Summerlin as part of the Callaway Warrior Club Fitting program. The fitting for the two veterans took place just prior to the PGA Tour’s yearly stop in Las Vegas at the Shriners Hospitals For Children Open. –By Bill Bowman
The club fitting program reaches out to help 30 combat heroes each year (two each at 15 PGA Tour stops around the nation). Since the inception of the program in 2011, the program has reached out to help more than 100 wounded heroes.
The Callaway club fitting, held in partnership with Birdies for the Brave, ran the full gamut for the two veterans. There was the club fitting portion as well as a stint on the range. There was also a behind-the-scenes look at the club-fitting process inside the Callaway van. And there was also the chance to work with PGA Tour pros Derek Fathauer and Kevin Kisner who were at the event to lend a helping hand.
In the end, the duo had a day they will never forget and will also receive a full set of clubs.
“This was incredible,” said Cervantez, who lives in Las Vegas with his wife and four children. “The Callaway staff really welcomed us with open arms and rolled out the red carpet. It was great to tour the trailer and see how they make world-class equipment right here at the tournament. I can’t wait to get the clubs and get out on the course.”
Perez, who lives in Logandale and mentors other wounded heroes, plays golf about 10 times a year and is an honorary member of TPC Summerlin though the Birdies for the Brave’s Adopt-A-Wounded Warrior program.
The Callaway program helps the wounded heroes in many ways, including helping with their rehabilitation while also showing gratitude for their service to our country.
Callaway Golf rep Rick Brisky was impressed with the two players. “It was an absolute pleasure fitting Joe and Ruben,” Brisky said. “Being able to see the improvements they both made from the first swing to the last was incredible. On behalf of Callaway Golf, it was an honor and I look forward to getting these guys some new clubs and getting them out on the course.”