Since 2000, there has been a significant increase in the number of organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, most of which are non-profit and target specific groups of veterans. Sports have been an important outlet for many veterans, providing both physical and mental exercise. Among these sports, golf stands out as a unique challenge that combines physical activity with mental commitment.
Many established organizations have emerged that excel in serving the veteran community. There are hundreds of golf-focused programs at the local level, and active duty military and veterans are encouraged to explore options in their area. This article will focus on national organizations.
PGA Tour Hope
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The program introduces veterans and active-duty service members to the game of golf to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
PGA HOPE offers comprehensive 6-8 week courses led by PGA professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and receive support from the PGA Division Foundation, ensuring free participation for all veterans. In addition, PGA HOPE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), allowing direct referral to the program as a treatment option.
Currently, there are more than 500 PGA HOPE programs across the United States, reaching more than 17,000 veterans and military personnel by 2024, supported by an instructional staff of more than 3,000 golf professionals.
Tribute to the Military Golf Association
The Salute to Military Golf Association (SMGA) aims to improve the quality of life for post-9/11 injured veterans by providing rehabilitative golf programs and family inclusion opportunities. Eligible participants include personnel injured in post-9/11 military operations, including individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The SMGA hosts a variety of golf events throughout the year, including the annual Charity Golf Classic, which has raised more than $1.7 million to support the rehabilitation of injured veterans. With nine chapters across the country and hundreds of events each year, SMGA remains the leading organization for combat-wounded veterans. Each chapter offers the Warrior Golf Clinic and the American Golfer Program, which includes eight weeks of instruction from PGA Class A professionals and is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Course Basics
The On Course Foundation was established in 2013 to provide veterans with unique opportunities to participate in the game of golf. The organization was inspired by John Simpson, who felt the need to create a supportive environment for veterans facing similar challenges to himself after visiting the UK Rehabilitation Center for Wounded Veterans.
After overcoming polio and thriving in the golf industry, John sought to establish a course foundation to help injured service members and veterans participate in golf and pursue careers within the industry. The foundation hosts events in 15 major markets and provides members with career opportunities with well-known companies such as Topgolf, Callaway Brands and TaylorMade.
Old Golfers Association
The Veterans Golfers Association (VGA) is a competitive organization with chapters throughout the United States and a national headquarters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The VGA promotes competition, social interaction and physical activity through golf. Through local leagues, regional championships and national qualifiers, the VGA instills the values ​​of integrity, respect and perseverance.
The VGA hosts an annual national championship, where qualifiers compete for titles in their respective handicap classes, and the Armed Forces Cup, a Ryder Cup-style competition between the services each spring.
Round four teams
A new initiative, “Loops Four Troops,” was established in 2023 to train veterans for professional caddy positions. The program recently completed its first training session at Bandon Dunes, successfully training five veterans.
Loops Four Troops is dedicated to cultivating veteran friendships, promoting personal growth and advancing professional development. Their mission is to provide participants with the skills they need to succeed in the golf caddy career. They are currently accepting applications for their next training session, scheduled for late spring 2025, and welcome all veterans interested in pursuing non-traditional career paths.
Soldier Caddy School
Soldier Caddy School is dedicated to supporting veterans as they cope with the lingering effects of war and try to find new purpose in life. Their mission is to help veterans create meaningful lives for themselves and their families.
Veterans are invited to join the Soldier Caddy School family where they have the opportunity to train and become professional caddies. At each event, veterans from the UK, US and Canada gather in the historic home of golf, St. Andrews, where they are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to become world-class caddies. The foundation of the program is a genuine encouragement and supportive atmosphere, guided by experienced caddy masters. By sharing training experiences, veterans can develop camaraderie, help each other develop a positive attitude, and enjoy the outdoors. Feedback from participants indicates that they leave with valuable skills and newfound confidence beyond the caddying realm.
Soldier Caddy School holds training sessions 3-4 times a year and holds a graduation ceremony on the last day of training. The organization uses every opportunity to celebrate veterans' achievements, raise funds, and promote its partners to build a strong community of support.
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