Tag: PGA HOPE

Jack Nicklaus makes surprise appearance at PGA HOPE event at Congressional

The 18-time major champion participated in a putting contest with FOX News anchor Bret Baier.

Jack Nicklaus made a surprise visit at PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week on Sunday. The longtime North Palm Beach resident and 18-time major champion participated in a putting contest as well as a fireside chat with Fox News anchor Bret Baier.

Nicklaus, joined by his wife, Barbara, the 2019 winner of the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award, is a Trustee of The PGA of America REACH Foundation — which hosted 19 veterans and two veteran squad leaders from Oct. 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

The veterans, graduates of their local PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs, participated in advanced golf instruction from PGA of America professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network — covering topics such as social media, public speaking, stress management and mental health.

“Our veterans have given so much for this country, and some have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom and safety, so it’s an honor, alongside Barbara, to continue to support them through PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week,” Nicklaus said in a statement. “Their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment are the true embodiment of our nation. Supporting our veterans isn’t just our duty, it’s a privilege we should all cherish.”

Photos: Jack Nicklaus through the years

A $2 million commitment supporting PGA HOPE and the PGA of America REACH Foundation was made in Nicklaus’ honor from real estate investor and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, David P. O’Connor.

According to a release, PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, is a six- to eight-week developmental curriculum taught by PGA of America Golf Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. The program introduces golf to veterans and active duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Photos: Veterans participate in the 2022 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week at Congressional Country Club

Twenty veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges traveled to the nation’s capital for specialized golf and wellness training.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a golf program that helps to rehabilitate veterans with the goal to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional feel being.

Every year PGA HOPE introduces the game of golf to 7,500 veterans at 215 venues across the country.

This year, 20 veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges such as TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and amputees traveled to the nation’s capital for specialized golf and wellness training.

Last week, the group of heroes played Congressional Country Club, host of the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

Before the round, they participated in a program showcase and interview opportunities.

After their week was complete, the veterans became PGA HOPE Ambassadors, with a responsibility to serve as a champion for PGA HOPE in their home market.

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Patriot Golf Days are a great opportunity to thank and support the military community this Memorial Day weekend

PGA REACH and Folds of Honor are co-hosting the fundraising event this year to benefit the military community and their families.

For the second consecutive year, Patriot Golf Days are returning for Memorial Day weekend. What’s PGD you may ask? Well, it’s a fantastic opportunity to thank our nation’s heroes with the game of golf.

PGA REACH, and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members, co-host the nationwide fundraiser that started in 2007. PGA members across the country are playing a huge part this year, too.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces golf to veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program includes a six-to-eight-week golf instruction course taught by PGA pros trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

This weekend, around the U.S., events will take place in all 41 PGA chapters to raise money for the foundations. For example, Jimmy McMullen, PGA Director of Coaching at Salem Glen Country Club’s Golf Academy in Clemmons, North Carolina, is doing a 250-hole golf marathon from dawn to dusk. Supporters can pledge per hole or based on the number of birdies they record. They can also make direct donations.

“We’re especially proud that our 28,000 PGA Professionals have raised millions of charitable dollars through Patriot Golf Days for our nation’s heroes and their families,” said PGA President Jim Richerson in a release. “Having these influential organizations join in to back this critically important effort points to how closely aligned the golf community is in our support of our Veterans and their families.”

“It’s exciting that Patriot Golf Days will again be held during Memorial Day weekend,” said Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor in the same release. “The partnership between Folds of Honor and PGA HOPE helps both Veterans and military families. As a PGA Professional, I’m grateful to my fellow PGA Members, the golf facilities participating in Patriot Golf Days and patriotic Americans who contribute to our mission.

“All money that is raised will directly benefit individuals and families in the community and the PGA Section where it was raised, and provide financial resources for Folds of Honor academic scholarships and PGA HOPE programs.”

If you would like to donate, visit the Patriot Golf Days website here.

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