To commence the summer golf season, USO Northwest will host the Red, White & Blue Golf Classic -- a tournament and auction comprised of corporate foursomes with a unique twist.

A military golfer joins each group, which creates an all-military golf tournament within the overall field. USO Northwest reported that all six branches of military will be represented in the friendly, service competition.

Played at The Golf Club at Newcastle, the Red, White & Blue Golf Classic spans two courses Thursday, June 27. Festivities complete what USO defines the tournament as "the best round of golf in your life."

At the tournament, the United States Marines perform an 18-gun salute, capped off by a special performance of our National Anthem with an aircraft flyover. And if golfers finish their round hungry, they're in luck -- after the round, players will enjoy award-winning BBQ from the current Armed Forces Pitmaster Champion.

Aside from good times on the course and in the clubhouse, the tournament funds servicemembers and families. USO Northwest reported a fundraising total of $325,000 from last year's tournament -- a new all-time high. For every dollar donated, 91 cents immediately benefits servicemembers and their families.

Between the two championship courses at Newcastle, 340 golfers compete in 68 groups. USO Northwest showcased the prominence of the tournament in the following announcement: "(The) Red, White & Blue Golf Classic is the largest charity golf tournament supporting our military in the Pacific Northwest."

The tournament further relies on sponsorships to raise money for military families, with pledges ranging from $500 to $25,000. At the lowest end of sponsorship pricing, Green Sponsors ($500) receive prominent company and logo recognition in addition to two tickets to the tournament's awards dinner and auction.

On the highest end, Presenting Sponsors ($25,000) display two banners at the Golf Classic, including logos on all tournament signage and a year's display on USO Mobile. The sponsorship additionally includes a full-page ad in the golf program, two eligible foursomes in the tournament while sponsoring 12 rounds of golf for servicemembers -- and much, much more.

Per USO, Golf Sponsorships enabled USO Northwest to serve over 800,000 servicemembers and their families last year.

Tito's Handmade Vodka -- a USO Northwest Sponsor -- offered a unique approach to their donation. By texting USO to 31996, Tito's donates $1 to USO Northwest at no cost to the sender. At the 5,000 text mark -- or $5,000 mark -- Tito's will double their donation amount to $10,000. The promotion serves as an easy option to donate for those unable to formally sponsor the tournament.

Foursomes and sponsors can register at usonw.org/golf/sponsor.php for a day of golf, food and festivities.