Lt. Col. Patricia E. Grant Memorial Tournament coming to The Patriot

Among the many worthy charity events to choose from this summer, here is another unique one for your consideration, On Sept. 1 at The Patriot in Owasso will be the first Lt. Col. Patricia E. Grant Memorial Tournament. The tournament will be a four-person event with an 11:30 a.m. shotgun start and all proceeds will benefit The Folds of Honor. Teams are $5,000 per foursome with sponsorship levels available. Scan the QR code for more information or to enter.

Lieutenant Colonel Patricia E. Grant lived a life that expanded what was possible on the battlefield, in the courtroom, and on the golf course. A pioneer in the United States Army and in championship golf, her story reflects courage, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to excellence.

Raised in Cushing, Oklahoma, Patricia first gained statewide recognition at age 13 when she won the Oklahoma State High School Golf Championship. She went on to repeat the title three more times. At Oklahoma Baptist University, she earned a golf scholarship by teaching fellow students and later captured the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur Championship six times. She remains the only person to win that title five consecutive years. Her achievements earned her induction into the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame and made her the first woman inducted into the Oklahoma Baptist University Athletics Hall of Fame.

In 1942, she and her sister enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished 22 year active duty career. Serving in postwar Europe, Patricia supported the Nuremberg Trials and was selected as the personal military escort to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during her historic visit. It was a role reserved for an officer of exceptional professionalism and character.

Throughout her service, she received 23 letters of commendation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, one of fewer than 60 women in the nation to achieve that distinction at the time. In an era when opportunities for women in uniform were limited, she did more than serve. She led, setting a standard and opening doors for those who followed.

After retiring from the Army, Pat pursued another challenge. She became one of the first 50 women to graduate from St. Mary’s University School of Law, earning her degree in 1966. For more than 30 years she practiced family law, advocating for individuals and families with the same determination that marked her military career. Her professional and civic leadership earned her recognition as Texas Woman of the Year.

Her drive for excellence extended well beyond career milestones. She continued playing competitive golf into her 70s and even piloted her own ultralight aircraft. Adventure was not a phase of life for Patricia. It was a way of living. She passed away in 2013 surrounded by love. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “It has been a good trip. God has chosen a life of adventure for me. I would not trade it.”

Her monument bears the inscription “No Stone Left Unturned,” a fitting tribute to a pioneer, patriot, and champion whose legacy continues to widen the path for others.