Things began fairly quietly Tuesday at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia as the newly rebranded “A Military Salute at The Greenbrier” PGA TOUR event was rolling out tournament week.
Pros lined the practice tee, a few got in a round on the Old White TPC and the nearby Greenbrier pool was a popular site for hotel guests looking for a break from the temperatures in the 90s.
In the media center, popular pro Bubba Watson gave an interview and Blacksburg pro Lanto Griffin, in the field to complete for the $7.3 million purse, chatted with golf writer Randy King and The Star’s sports director, Bill Turner.
There was little evidence that President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak inside the resort hotel at the “Salute to Service” charity dinner.
The visit marked Trump’s fifth visit to The Greenbrier since taking office and his third this year.
Trump left Washington around 5:00 p.m. and Air Force One landed ahead of schedule around 5:45 at the Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg.
Roads were blocked around the resort and Greenbrier shuttle buses which typically transport patrons throughout the resort were temporarily shut down while the President attended the invitation-only dinner.
Inside the hotel, along the shopping gallery near the front lobby, it was business as usual as guests scurried through the various clothing shops and gift venues. The only signs of the special event about to unfold only steps away were the occasional passing of military brass dressed in uniform and the buzz from guests wondering about the President’s visit.
“It’s pretty exciting knowing the President of the United States is right here in the hotel, coming all the way to West Virginia,” Carol Langdon, here for the golf tournament practice round from Maryland, noted. “I’d love to see President Trump walk by.”
At the dinner, Trump saluted America’s military and veterans on the eve of the country’s 242nd birthday.
“Anytime we see an American in uniform, anytime we shake the hand of a veteran, we understand how blessed we are,” Trump noted.
Trump also addressed current issues such as his search for a new Supreme Court Justice, the country’s low unemployment rate, the immigration debate and a local favorite, the importance of coal to West Virginia. He likewise talked about $720 billion secured by Congress to improve the American military position in the world.
“We are restoring American security by rebuilding our great military,” Trump said. “The stronger the armed forces get, the less likely military force will be used. We will think of the men and women fighting overseas. We will thank God for blessing us with these unbelievable heroes.”
Greenbrier Resort owner and Governor of West Virginia, Jim Justice, echoed the excitement at the resort.
“i am so excited to welcome my friend, President Trump, back to West Virginia for the fifth time since he was elected. Can you believe how many times the President has been to West Virginia recently? The President’s visit to support our military and celebrate our nation’s birthday is appreciated by all.”
Bill Turner
