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The Impact of PGA HOPE: Helping Our Patriots Everywhere Through Golf
By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on
What is PGA HOPE? PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. It is a free program that introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through a structured, professional curriculum.
“The PGA HOPE program has meant a lot to me in that it fosters an environment of safety, trust, and genuine support for the overall wellness of the veteran community. Nowhere else have I been able to feel comfortable and completely welcome given the challenges I had integrating back into society after leaving the Marine Corps with multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. The environment that PGA HOPE creates for veterans saved me from a dark place I was stuck in; attributable to the Staff and PGA Professionals authenticity, the lessons learned about the game of golf that parallel life’s challenges, and the culture of camaraderie amongst all the veterans participating. It’s all been a breath of fresh air.”– Will Stockholm, PGA HOPE alumnus
PGA HOPE Program: Quick Facts
- Cost: 100% Free for Veterans and Active Duty Military.
- Duration: 6–8 week developmental curriculum.
- Instructors: PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.
- Reach: 215+ programs across 40 PGA Sections in 46 states.
- Impact: Over 7,000 Veterans served annually.
- Official Partner: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
What is the mission of PGA HOPE?
The mission of PGA HOPE is to provide a therapeutic pathway for Veterans and Active Duty Military to integrate back into their communities. By using golf as a form of therapy, the program focuses on building safety, trust, and a culture of camaraderie.
“The environment that PGA HOPE creates for veterans saved me from a dark place I was stuck in,” explains Will Stockholm, a PGA HOPE alumnus and Marine Corps Veteran. “The culture of camaraderie amongst all the veterans participating has been a breath of fresh air.”
How does golf serve as therapy for Veterans?
PGA HOPE has a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This agreement allows VA staff to refer Veterans to PGA HOPE as a clinical form of therapy.
While golf is the mechanism, the program provides a "community of others" on a similar journey. It addresses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life by teaching a game that parallels life’s challenges—requiring patience, focus, and social interaction.
How do PGA Professionals participate in the program?
To ensure the highest quality of care, PGA Members must complete specialized PGA HOPE training. This training covers:
- Adaptive Golf Techniques: Modifying the game for various physical abilities.
- Military Cultural Competency: Understanding the unique experiences and needs of the Veteran community.
Once trained, PGA Professionals work through their local PGA Sections to host chapters at courses nationwide. As Charlie Mead, PGA, notes: “It is the greatest program the PGA has ever conducted. It gives us an opportunity to give back to those who defended our freedom.”
“The PGA HOPE program is the greatest program that the PGA has ever conducted, and it means that PGA members including myself have an opportunity to give back to the men and women of the United States Military who decided to put their lives on the line to defend our freedom and allow us to have the privilege of being involved in the game of Golf. I speak out of experience because our son Caleb Meade was a US Navy Corpsman for 10 years and deployed into combat in Iraq. His time served has motivated me to get involved and to give back.”– Charlie Mead, PGA
How can Veterans join a PGA HOPE program near them?
Participation is open to all Veterans and Active Duty Military. There are currently over 200 chapters across the United States.
- Step 1: Find PGA HOPE programs near you through PGA.com here.
- Step 2: Register for a free 6–8 week session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there a cost to participate in PGA HOPE? A: No. All programs are fully funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations. It is free for all Veterans and Active Duty Military.
Q: Do I need to own golf clubs to join? A: No. PGA Professionals provide all necessary equipment and adaptive tools during the 6-8 week program.
Q: Can any Veteran join, regardless of physical ability? A: Yes. PGA HOPE instructors are specifically trained in adaptive golf to ensure that every Veteran, regardless of physical limitations or disability, can play and enjoy the game.
Q: How do I become a PGA HOPE Ambassador? A: Graduates of the program who show a commitment to helping fellow Veterans can be nominated as Ambassadors to represent the program at a national level, including events like National Golf and Wellness Week in Washington D.C.
About the Author: Brendon Elliott, PGA, is a specialized golf educator and advocate for the growth of the game. He works closely with the PGA of America REACH Foundation to highlight the transformative power of golf for youth, military, and diverse populations.
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