DALLAS, Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday and Tuesday, twenty two wounded warriors from around the United States competed in the Warrior Open, hosted by The George W. Bush Presidential Center. Corporal Chad Pfeifer, U.S. Army (Ret.), emerged as the top golfer in 2012. The tournament featured members of the United States Military who served their country honorably and were severely wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Open honors the service of the competitors and all those who serve under our nation's flag.

"The warriors who played today represent the courage and determination of our military service men and women," said President George W. Bush. "On behalf of a lot of grateful citizens, thank you."

The Warrior Open is a 36-hole regulation competition that recognizes all those who serve and sacrifice to defend the United States of America and heralds the many organizations that give their time, talents and resources to support the men and women of our military and their families.

CPL Pfeifer carded a final round of 73 (+2) that included a hole in one on the par 3 fourth hole. He was +3 for the tournament. First Lieutenant Brian "Ski" Donarski, U.S. Army (Ret.), finished second at +18 and MSGT Ken Gestring, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), finished third at +19.

"It really does mean a lot to us to have such great support here in America," said CPL Chad Pfeifer, after winning the Warrior Open for a second time. "And I'm thankful President Bush saw my hole in one. To win the tournament again is really special."

For the second year in a row, the tournament took place at Las Colinas Country Club in the Dallas area. Eleven of the competing warriors were returning competitors from the first Warrior Open and eleven competed for the first time, with the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy represented.

The Bush Center recognizes the ongoing work of many organizations and individuals who contribute to the recovery, rehabilitation and quality of life of American servicemen and women. And the Center is pleased to highlight six organizations that have been particularly instrumental in the lives of the 2012 Warrior Open competitors and their families: Hope For The Warriors, the Military Warriors Support Foundation, the Salute Military Golf Association, the Semper Fi Fund, Tee it up for the Troops, and the Troops First Foundation.

The Warrior Open is a program of the George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative, which highlights the courage of U.S. military personnel and places an enduring spotlight on the sacrifice troops and their families make for our freedom.

The 2012 Warrior Open was supported by Highland Capital Management and Briggs Equipment. The tournament was hosted by Club Corp, and the USO presented The Military Village. The tournament was also made possible by American Airlines, Air Compassion for Veterans, La Quinta, TaylorMade, Adidas, Ashworth, Mercedes-Benz of Plano, 7-11, Premier Transportation and Hero Miles.

The Bush Center gratefully acknowledges the support of the USGA, PGA, PGA North Texas Section, the Texas Golf Association and the Women's Texas Golf Association.

For more information on the tournament, please visit www.warrioropen.com.

About the George W. Bush Institute:

The George W. Bush Institute advances freedom through education reform, global health, human freedom and economic growth. In all its programming, the Institute integrates initiatives that empower women and military service personnel. The Bush Institute is the policy arm of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which includes the Presidential library, located on the campus of SMU in Dallas. For more information, visit www.BushCenter.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/TheBushCenter) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/TheBushCenter).

SOURCE George W. Bush Institute