Avon Resident Among Golfers Teeing Off at Lyman Orchards to Support Wounded Warrior Project

Nearly 200 golfers hit the links in Middlefield Monday morning in support of U.S. troops wounded in battle.

Foursomes teeing off from Lyman Orchards' Jones and Players' courses were greeted at each tee box by American flags, which served as a reminder that the day's round would benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

"If it wasn't for our troops we wouldn't have the freedom to do this," said Joe Galiatsatos, a golfer who traveled from Avon to play in the tournament.

Monday's event — billed as the World's Largest Golf Outing — was sponsored by Billy Capser Golf, which manages Lyman Golf.

Organizers hoped to break a Guinness World Record by having more than 100 simultaneous golf outings in more than 27 states.

"It's nice to be involved with such a large event and the tremendous response of it all," said Dave Christensen, Lyman Golf general manager. "We were taken back by the level of support."

90 percent of the proceeds raised by Monday's event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose mission is to "raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members."

Christensen said golfers around the country would raise about $250,000 for the organization through the event.

"We support them all," said Gary Velardi of Wallingford. "It's a small thing we could do for them."

Before teeing off, golfers attended a short ceremony that included a performance by the Color Guard and the sounds of a bagpiper. 

"We're here to support all of the wounded that have fought for this country from yesterday to 70 years ago," said Joe Holmes of Norwalk.