Ep.07 (GDL) Lt. Col. Dan Rooney: Golf, Country, and the Cost of Freedom

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney—fighter pilot, PGA pro, and founder of Folds of Honor—joins Jeff to talk golf church, bringing the national anthem to the PGA Tour, and how persistence, faith, and the game have shaped his mission to serve military and first responder families.Lt. Col. Dan Rooney is the founder of Folds of Honor, a fighter pilot, and a PGA professional who’s helped award more than $330 million in scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.In this powerful conversation, Dan shares how golf became his “church,” what it means to serve through the game, and why faith, discipline, and purpose continue to guide his mission.In this episode:The story of American Dunes and how Jack Nicklaus helped create golf’s most patriotic course.How Folds of Honor Fridays brought the national anthem to the PGA Tour.Dan’s thoughts on loss, fatherhood, and staying resilient through purpose.Why “everything good” in his life ties back to the game of golf.Jeff’s crazy idea: walking 36 holes a day for 13 days to raise $100K for Folds of Honor.From fighter jets to fairways, Dan’s story is a reminder that golf isn’t just a game—it’s a mission.🎧 Learn more or become a Wingman: foldsofhonor.orgLinks & MentionsFolds of Honor: foldsofhonor.orgBecome a Wingman ($13/month): foldsofhonor.org/wingmanAmerican Dunes Golf Club: americandunesgolfclub.comThe Patriot Golf Club (OK): patriotgolfclub.comFolds of Honor Friday (PGA Tour initiative) – National anthem + red, white & blue on Fridays across PGA/Korn Ferry/ChampionsAnheuser-Busch / Budweiser x Folds partnership – 15+ years of support, Folds-branded cans and NFL activationsShow Partners1st Phorm — premium nutrition for golfers who play strong and live stronger.18STRONG — programs & community to help you Play More Golf. Live More Life.