Veteran’s Day! As you may know, the day is set aside to honor and pay tribute to all the military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It goes ahead to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism showcased by each retired soldier, all the while expressing gratitude for their service. The same goes for anyone, even a professional golfer who decided to answer the call to serve in the military.

Yes, you read that right! There have been quite a number of PGA Tour pros who have served in the United States Armed Forces. And it is time to thank them for their service yet again, even if November 11 has passed.

PGA Tour Pros who were part of the U.S. Armed Forces

1. Ben Hogan: He’s a nine-time major champ. But you can also call him an ex-lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force who served during World War II. The late golfer was drafted back in 1943 as a physical trainer. Soon after, he became a flight instructor and went on to become a utility pilot, after which he was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas. When he returned to the sport, he managed to top the Tour’s money order once again.

2. Arnold Palmer: “I have to say that my three years in the Coast Guard were three years that I value very highly,” said the golfer back in 2008 when receiving his military honor. And you better believe him, for the late athlete had left college following his best friend’s death at Wake Forest to enlist in the same. He then served three years in the Coast Guard before returning to college. And the rest is history!

3. Lee Trevino: 6 major championships? 29 PGA Tour wins? No, if you ask the 84-year-old about the best thing that happened to him, he wouldn’t rank either at the top. What else then? The retired pro once told Jamie Diaz in 2009, “The Marine Corps was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. If they told me I had to go back in the Marines now, hell, I’d love it.” Interestingly enough, he had served as a gunner for four years in the Marines.

4. Sam Snead: He has 82 wins on the PGA Tour, including seven major championships. But that’s not all. The late pro also served as an athletic specialist when enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. However, he was discharged soon after owing to a back injury he suffered in 1944.

5. Larry Nelson: It was 1966. The now-77-year-old was just 18 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Vietnam War. And that would prove to be the instance that changed his life. He was introduced to the sport when he was part of the infantry. The future three-time major champ would then be deployed overseas, where he spent less than three months before returning home. When he returned to America, he turned to Hogan’s ‘Five Lessons’ book, which helped him further master the game.

These are but some of the PGA Tour pros who have spent a part of their lives serving the United States in its Armed Forces. That being said, one can’t help but admire the athletes who took it upon themselves to also serve their nation despite being interested in playing the sport. And if you do see someone who once fought for the country, just five words would do even if Veteran’s Day has passed: “Thank you for your service!”