September 2, 2025 • by David Tenneson / Photographs by Dom Furore, Matt Yeoman and Adam Mackey
In just its fourth year, the Folds of Honor Collegiate has already established itself as one of the best traditions in opening the new college golf season. In early September an elite field of men’s and women’s teams embark on a mission to Grand Haven, Michigan for something more than just a golf tournament.
There’s recognition to be earned in the competition, sure, but anyone who steps onto American Dunes or tunes into the Golf Channel broadcast quickly understands that the true honor lies in paying tribute to something far greater than ourselves.
The somber sight of a young son accompanying his father’s flag-draped coffin would cause anyone to pause in reflection. For Dan Rooney — a Major in the Air Force in 2006 returning to Grand Rapids, Michigan from his second of three tours of duty — watching the family of Corporal Brock Bucklin accompanying the fallen soldier’s remains sparked a call to action.
Within a year, the Folds of Honor foundation was born and in the nearly two decades since has raised over $250 million to help provide nearly 62,000 scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled US military service members and, as of 2022, first responders. A former Kansas Jayhawk golfer turned F16 fighter pilot and PGA professional, Lt Col Rooney now tours the United States on a different kind of mission, turning his infectious enthusiasm into educational support for others.
When Grand Haven Golf Club — the birthplace of the Folds of Honor — closed in 2018, an incredible opportunity arose. Thanks to private investors and donors, including Jack Nicklaus, who waived his usual design fee, American Dunes was built and now serves as homebase for the foundation.
Golfers across the nation make the trek to this uniquely designed course which not only pays homage to one hole from each of Nicklaus’s 18 major championships, but also sports a special plaque on each of those holes honoring a fallen soldier. The entire property — from the walk to the clubhouse to the after-round refreshments — serves as a reminder of the price paid for freedom and how, just by participating, each player is giving back in a meaningful way to those who made that sacrifice.
Michigan State’s golf program was already deeply involved with the Folds of Honor when men’s head coach Casey Lubahn visited American Dunes and had the idea for a tournament that could help broaden the reach of the collegiate golf community and give back. He reached out to Lt Col Rooney in the hopes of being able to “run a little college event.”
Coach Lubahn (above, right) told the story of watching one of his Spartan players, James Piot, win the U.S. Amateur on Sunday August 15, 2021 and flying out that Wednesday to meet with Lt Col Rooney. From there, ideas flew at the speed and height of an F16. “The Folds of Honor Collegiate will be a trailblazing event,” said Lt Col Rooney, “with great college golfers playing the game for a greater purpose supporting Folds of Honor recipients.”
The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), partnered with the Folds of Honor, American Dunes GC, and Michigan State University, announced with great pride the inaugural Folds of Honor Collegiate held in late September, 2022 to open the 2022-23 season.
At the end of the tournament, Illinois stood atop a strong field of 18 teams across Division I and II. Jonathan Uayn (Liberty) captured the individual title following a dramatic two-hole playoff with Maximilian Steinlechner (NC State) that ended with Yuan’s chip-in birdie.
Building on the first year success and with Jack Nicklaus making a special appearance, the second tournament proved just as fruitful. Behind a strong debut from freshman Jacob Modleski that included an eagle on the 54th hole, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish out-duelled host Michigan State to win the team title by a single stroke.
No doubt Lt Col Rooney took special pride with medalist honors going to fellow Jayhawk Cecil Belisle, the 2022 Jack Nicklaus Award winner at the NJCAA level who earned his first D1 victory at the Golden Bear’s red, white, and blue course.
The 2024 field, nearly doubled in size with the addition of 15 women’s teams, was treated to a spectacular drone light show to kick off year three of the event. Viewers watching expanded coverage on Golf Channel were treated to collegiate golf of the highest level that ended with the eventual ANNIKA Award winner Mirabel Ting capturing medalist honors.
Her FSU team fell just short of Arizona who gave head coach Giovana Maymon a victory in her debut tournament at the helm of the Wildcats. On the men’s side, Alabama ran away from the field behind a medalist performance by the recent transfer and future Walker Cupper, Dominic Clemons.
Both Ting and Clemons each left American Dunes with one of college golf’s most unique trophies, a real fighter pilot's helmet. The 2025 field will also be in a proverbial dog fight to lay claim to their own helmet.
The Air Force, like all branches of the United States Armed Forces, has a plethora of important traditions, some of which have been woven into the fabric of the culture at American Dunes. Each day at 1:00 PM, everyone on property stops what they are doing and takes in the grandeur of the massive American flag flying on the 9th fairway as they reflect on the sound of taps playing followed by 13 tolls of the bell, one for each fold of a similar flag that is presented to grieving families. Players are given a nickel before they tee off which they can toss in the grass at the foot of a large cross off the 17th green in the tradition of USAF pilots to honor their fallen brethren.
The Wall of Honor, seen both entering and exiting American Dunes, is a sobering reminder of the sacrifice paid by the few for the many. Jack Nicklaus’ own words, painted in large letters on the eight-foot wall, sum it up best for many who visit: “I love the game of golf, but I love my country even more.”
College golf further supports this ideal with an Honor Bag program, consisting of special tags for the player golf bags with the number of individuals who have attended their institution on Folds of Honor scholarships. It’s the perfect way to help remind the players and fans alike that this event, held on the eve of September 11th in 2025, is far more than just another college golf tournament.
Live scoring for the men’s and women’s Folds of Honor Collegiate is available right here on Scoreboard powered by Clippd, September 8-10. If you’d like to learn more about the Folds of Honor and how your support can help families in need, visit the Folds of Honor website.