University of Idaho junior Mark Giorgi accepted an invitation to play in the 2011 Patriot All-America at Wigwam Golf Club at Litchfield Park, Ariz.

Giorgi is one of 84 golfers from around the country to play in the prestigious 54-hole event. Among those in the tournament are 21 of the world’s top 100 amateur golfers.

“Mark was honored to be invited,” coach John Means said. “He is looking forward to representing the Vandals.”

Giorgi, a transfer from St. John’s (Minn.) University, earned his invitation after being chosen the NCAA Division III Freshman of the Year in 2010. Players who earned PING All-America honors in all NCAA and NAIA divisions were eligible to be invited to the tournament.

The three-day event is Dec. 28-30.

“This is truly an elite field of collegians and the first opportunity for them to go heads up in tournament competition,” said Ed Gowan, executive director of the Arizona Golf Association.

The inaugural tournament is sponsored jointly by the Wigwam Golf Club, the Arizona Golf Association and the Golf Coaches Association of American. They are partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships and other assistance to disabled veterans and the families of veterans killed while serving our country. Each golfer will carry a bag commemorating a soldier from the region of the country they represent.