STATELINE, Nev. – Golf play paused, noisy crowds went silent, hats covered hearts, and everyone looked to the sky as jets thundered above at the close of the national anthem.
As part of the American Century Championship’s celebration of the nation’s 250th, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office honor guard presided over the 17th tee while two United States Air Force T-38’s soared above holes 17 and 18.
At the close of the ceremony, crowds clapped, cheered, and a particularly loud group chanted “USA, USA, USA!”
Three members of that group were Courtney from Reno, Michael O’Brien from Atlanta, and Seung, from Truckee, who goes by his nickname “Bruce Lee.”
The group was surprised and moved by the flyover, with the setting adding to the magic.
“It is so amazing to be able to celebrate America in this way in one of the most beautiful places,” Courtney said, “and it just makes me feel a level of pride for being able to live in this incredible country.”
O’Brien also expressed pride and how the golf tournament is a microcosm of what the USA represents.
“To be able to come to yet another corner of our country,” he said, “and just be able to experience the graciousness from everybody out on the boats, to in the streets, to on the golf course—that is America. That’s why we love the country so much.”
It was Seung’s first time at the tournament, and he was celebrating his 51st birthday on Saturday.
“This is one of the most beautiful places on the planet and at the end of the day, people come from all over the world to experience the lake and the beauty and the majesty of this area,” he said. “There’s nothing better than having all these beautiful Americans celebrating the 250th and,” he added, “go USA!”
This incited another chant from the group, “USA, USA, USA!”
“We are loud, we are boisterous, and we are proud to be Americans,” O’Brien said.
The pilots who conducted the flyover will be on the ground to visit the tournament on Sunday as guests of American Century Investments.
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Jets fly over the Douglas County Sheriff’s honor guard at the 17th tee during the ACC on Saturday.
Katelyn Welsh / Tahoe Daily Tribune
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The USAF jets flying over hole 17.
Katelyn Welsh / Tahoe Daily Tribune
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Courtney, Michael O’Brien and Seung among a group chanting “USA, USA, USA” after the flyover ceremony.
Katelyn Welsh / Tahoe Daily Tribune
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Two USAF T-38 aircrafts soaring over the 17th tee to honor 250 years of America
Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
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A sheriff salutes the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office honor guard during the National Anthem
Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
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The crowd removes their hats during the National Anthem from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office honor guard.
Victoria Mastrocola / Tahoe Daily Tribune
