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Veterans treated like royalty at Honda Classic

Posted at 5:57 AM, Mar 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-01 05:57:42-05

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The Honda Classic teed off Thursday for the 13th year at PGA National. The tournament prides itself on being one of the best on the PGA Tour for what it offers for everyone.

SPECIAL SECTION: More coverage of the Honda Classic

The United Technologies Patriot Outpost offers a places for veterans to watch the action. It has grown from 2,000 veterans in its early years to almost 25,000 this year.

The 17th hole may be known as the Bear Trap but along this fairway, 20,000 men and women see it differently.

"A war I don't care which one it was it's all the same thing you get shot at its hell," said 93 year old Bob Massamini.

"I'm tough but sometimes it catches you, ya know," said 94-year old Harry Isabel.

Both are WWII veterans and both always make it their mission to circle this day on the calendar.

"I missed last year because I had pneumonia, but I'm here now," said Isabel.

The military outpost is a 9,500 hundred square-foot piece of real estate for those who served our country. Honda Classic organizers expanded it for this year's tournament.

"They're wonderful. They treat you like $8 million," said Isabel.

It's a spot on the PGA Tour that is carved out for them, where the food is free and so is the camaraderie.

"Everybody knows each other. We have each other's back," said Massamini.

Simply put, it's the spot where fellowship just might edge out the golf score at the end of the day.

Click here for more details about expansion at the Honda Classic this year.