Christina Kolke, Courtney Whiting, Donna Murphy

On Sunday afternoon before the start of THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA TOUR and Birdies for the Brave partnered with Operation Shower to host a golf-themed group baby shower for 41 military moms-to-be whose husbands are deployed members of the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. The event featured Operation Shower’s signature Showers-In-A-Box, which included gifts of high-quality products for the moms and babies that will be provided by sponsors and donors. Other gifts included car seats, bedding, massages, Mommy GPS, portrait sittings and more.

The mothers and their guests enjoyed a catered lunch provided by Zoe’s Kitchen and lots of sweet treats. Celebrity guest host Tabitha Furyk provided gift bags for all of the moms with interactive and educational toys. Special guests also included Cheryl McKinley, wife of General Craig McKinley, Chief, National Guard Bureau; PGA TOUR executives’ spouses; and members of the PGA TOUR Wives Association.

Guest Host Tabitha Furyk

Operation Shower was held at the Patriots’ Outpost, a private hospitality venue for all active duty, Reserve and retired military personnel and their dependents during THE PLAYERS. Wednesday through Sunday of tournament week, the Patriots’ Outpost is open and offers complimentary food, beverages and activities, giving military members the chance to be treated like a “high roller” at one of the world’s premier sporting events – free of charge. The Outpost, located on the hill between No. 16 and No. 18 fairways, is financially supported by Jacksonville-area companies and individuals.

To see more photos from the event, visit the 2012 THE PLAYERS Photo Gallery.