Inaugural Operation Rising Star golf tournament on Dec. 18 at Hōkūala on Kauaʻi

Hōkūala will host the inaugural Operation Rising Star golf tournament at its award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course on Dec. 18 with the proceeds going to Folds of Honor scholarship recipients in Hawaiʻi.

Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders.

The Odum Corporation, a family-owned distributor for brand-name beverages, has committed to a $50,000 title sponsorship.

The tournament will have a full field of 31 teams. Chris Burden, Chief Development Officer of Timbers Resorts, which owns Hōkūala, said: “We are humbled and honored to partner with Folds of Honor to ensure that those who protect our freedoms and our families are never forgotten.”

The tournament is expected to be an annual contributor to the funding of new scholarships every year in Hawaii for the Folds of Honor mission.

Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are available and businesses across the state are
encouraged to participate.

The entry fee per foursome is $1,000, which includes golf, tee gift, dinner and an “amazing” closing reception. For individuals, it’s $250.

The goal is to provide $5,000 scholarships to at least 27 requests received throughout the
Hawaiian Islands. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start at
11 a.m.

Sponsorships, foursome and individual signups can be completed online or by calling Thomas (Tom) Freestone, Director of the Ocean Course at Hōkūala at 808-241-6000.

A reception to honor the Folds of Honor sponsors and participants will be held at Hualani’s Restaurant, Timbers Kaua‘i with food, prizes from golf and local vendors and live entertainment. There also will be a silent auction with item details listed on the entry website. Deadline to enter is Dec. 7 (Pearl Harbor Anniversary).

This year marks the 15th annual Folds of Honor golf tournament in Hawaiʻi, with Timbers Kaua‘i
at Hōkūala commitment to host this event annually.

Freestone said he was honored to meet The Folds of Honor founder and CEO, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a retired F16 fighter pilot and PGA member who personally experienced the need to help the families of fellow fallen or disabled service members.

Lt. Col. Rooney will be at the golf tournament and reception celebration on Dec. 18, which also
marks his 50th birthday and wedding anniversary.

Folds of Honor golf tournaments have been a top fundraiser performer for the Aloha Section
PGA. Nearly $80,000 was raised in 2021 from local PGA Golf professionals and facilities across
Hawai‘i.