Birdies for the Brave in Cromwell

Cromwell, Conn (WTNH) - The Traveler's Championship is underway in Cromwell, and while it's a nice summer event for families and fans, it also means a lot more to some military families.

Birdies for the Brave, one of the PGA Tour's charities, raises money for injured serviceman and their families.

Military appreciation started at the Traveler's Championship last year, and this year they added something to the program. Birdies for the Brave is an opportunity for a military service member to spend the day with a PGA Tour Prom and caddy for them on one hole.

It's not your everyday pairing. Padraig Harrington, PGA Superstar, and John Mainelli, active member of the United States Coast Guard.

"I think it's great way to pay respect to those that have served, both currently, and those that have retired. It shows the open doors for the people that work really hard defending this country. It's a great payback for them," Mainelli said.

On Wednesday, for one hole, the signature 17th, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces grabbed the bag of a pro, as part of the Birdies for the Brave program.

Water. It can intimidate the best of them on 17, but Harrington knew, he had the right guy caddying. Mainelli soaked up the moment.

Harrington autographed some golf balls for Mainelli at the end of the day. Mainelli said he's going to take them home to his 9-month-old son, and he'll have a story to tell him a few years down the road.

Military members can get into the Travelers Championship for free as well as their family members.