PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.
Find Open Programs Near You
The beauty of PGA HOPE is you can truly come as you are. Using the link below, you can find a list of PGA HOPE sessions around the country that are currently open for registration.
PGA HOPE ProgramsIf you do not see a session in your preferred area, it is because that session has either been filled or is not open currently.
You can see all PGA HOPE locations on the map below. Click on a location to learn more details or be added to their waitlist.
PGA HOPE Partners
PGA HOPE Graduate Testimonies
After a recommendation from one of the providers at my VA hospital, I attended a four-week golf clinic sponsored by PGA HOPE and was later asked to be an Ambassador for the program. This opportunity has changed not only my game, but also my perspective. Having been an avid golfer before the Marines, I was so grateful to be welcomed back into a sport that I had been away from for nearly 15yrs. The professional staff of PGA HOPE gives veterans like me that little nudge we sometimes need to remember things we have forgotten about ourselves and encourages us to re-imagine our post-military lives through the game of golf. Being an Ambassador for this program is truly an honor.
Doug Jackson
PGA HOPE has made a huge impact on my life. I had both football and baseball scholarships to college but didn’t stay in school long initially. In the military, I was constantly participating in sports and athletic competitions. After being injured in Iraq, and enduring a total of 15 orthopedic surgeries, all hope of athletic competition was put aside for years. Through PGA HOPE, I was able to learn and participate in a sport for the first time in well over a decade. It does the heart and mind wonders to be able to find competitiveness and camaraderie again, especially with other veterans.
Casey Dorrell
The PGA HOPE program has given me new purpose and direction. As a PTSD and suicide survivor, I have found golf as an incredible tool for focusing on the positive in life, and dealing with the negative by providing challenges, rewards, camaraderie,and personal development.
Matt Underwood
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 tofeel comfortable and completely welcomed given the challenges I had integrating back into society after leaving the Marine Corps with multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. The environment thatPGA HOPE creates for veterans saved me from the 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 as if I’ve been given a “breath of fresh air” and can start to enjoy life again!
Will Stockholm
PGA HOPE FACTS
In 2024, PGA HOPE will impact over 17,000 Veterans and Active Duty Military nationwide, taught by over 3,000 PGA Professionals from around the country.
There are currently more than 500 PGA HOPE programs across the country, hosted in all 50 States.
PGA REACH recognizes Veterans Day as the PGA National Day of HOPE. On this day, PGA REACH works in partnership with the golf community to celebrate and honor our nation’s heroes as well as spread awareness about the PGA HOPE program.
Veteran suicide is a major issue in the Veteran community, and statistics show 22 Veterans a day commit suicide. PGA HOPE is working to change this statistic by utilizing the game of golf as a form of therapy.
PGA HOPE Program
Program Site Selection
PGA REACH works with PGA Sections, PGA Professionals, and VA hospitals to identify golf courses and communities that are willing to host and would benefit from the program
PGA Professional Training
Local PGA of America Golf Professionals are trained to teach golf to Veterans with physical and emotional disabilities as well as important aspects of Veteran rehabilitative culture. Find a Training Near You >>
Introductory Clinic
Local VA hospitals, warrior transition units, and other Veteran service organizations recruit Veterans to attend a one-day introductory golf experience
PGA HOPE Program
Six to eight week golf program led by trained PGA Professionals that provides Veterans with golf instruction, course access, and adaptive equipment if needed
PGA HOPE Graduation
A celebration of the completion of the first session. Specifics vary by market but graduation ceremonies include golf, lunch, and an equipment giveaway. A graduation card is issued that affords the Veteran with a range of golf related benefits in their local area
