By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON TWP. - The Kroger Classic will pay tribute to those who protect and serve by offering them free admission Friday to watch those who drive and putt.

All active-duty police, fire and military personnel will get in free for Heroes Day, which will be during the first tournament round of the PGA Champions Tour at the Tournament Players Club at River's Bend.

"It's a small token, but it's our way of saying thanks to these people," said Tim Pennington, Kroger Classic marketing director.

The active-duty personnel need to present valid identification at the gate.

Children younger than 15 years old also will get in free.

A similar promotion was offered last year as well, but was not widely publicized because it was the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"We didn't want anyone to think we were capitalizing on that," Pennington said.

Other stops on the PGA tour have offered free admission to military personnel in the past.

The Kroger Classic, which features 81 players, started Monday and runs through Sunday.

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com

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