Jack Nicklaus Pays Special Tribute to America’s Heroes
[This is a private event and is not open to the public.]
FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 14, 2024) — The PGA of America REACH Foundation—the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America hosted 19 Veterans and two Veteran squad leaders at PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, presented by ConocoPhillips and T-Mobile, October 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
The participating Veterans, all graduates of their local PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs, participated in an immersive five-day event that included advanced golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network – covering topics including social media, public speaking, stress management and mental health.
A special highlight of the week, PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee and record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, made a surprise visit, joining the Veterans for a putting contest on Sunday and a fireside chat with award-winning reporter and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, Bret Baier. Nicklaus, who was joined by his wife Barbara—the 2019 winner of the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award—is a renowned global ambassador, course designer, businessman and philanthropist, who continues to use his success as a platform to help others.
“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,” said Nicklaus. “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.”
In support of PGA HOPE and the PGA of America REACH Foundation a $2 million commitment has been made in Nicklaus’ honor from real estate investor and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, David P. O’Connor.
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.
PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week culminated with golf at Congressional Country Club Monday, Oct. 14, featuring Veterans playing alongside PGA of America Golf Professionals and dignitaries. A frequent host of major championships through the years, Congressional is scheduled to host six PGA of America championships through 2037, including the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and PGA Professional Championship.
“PGA HOPE is more than just a series of golf lessons; it’s a life-saving program, and I’ve seen firsthand how it helps our Veterans regain confidence and joy in their lives,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing (Michigan). “This week serves as a powerful testament to the impact golf and PGA HOPE have on the lives of our Veterans, and being in our nation’s capital at a historic venue like Congressional Country Club makes it even more meaningful. We are honored these Veterans are willing to represent PGA HOPE and grateful for all they’ve done for our country.”
PGA HOPE is currently offered at more than 550 locations in the U.S., in all 50 states. In 2024, more than 17,000 Veterans will be served through the program through the more than 4,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who have received specialized training in using adaptive equipment and instructing Veterans. Since the inception of PGA HOPE in 2015, over 50,000 Veterans will be served by the end of 2024.
PGA HOPE is the only adaptive-golf program that has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which enables medical staff to refer Veterans to PGA HOPE as a form of therapy. All programs are funded by the PGA of America REACH Foundation and supplemented by PGA of America Section foundations, with no cost to all Veterans.
The annual event is a unique opportunity for participating Veterans to excel in their rehabilitation journey as they represent their local PGA HOPE community on a national level.
At the conclusion of the event, the 19 participating Veterans were named as national PGA HOPE Ambassadors, while receiving a specially designed golf and wellness tool kit designed to promote and sustain a healthy and active lifestyle as they return to their home programs to work with other Veterans and help foster the game of golf.
To support Veterans through PGA HOPE, click hered.
2024 PGA HOPE Ambassadors
● Carlos Barbeiro; Army; PGA HOPE New England; Johnston, R.I.
● Amber Bogle; Army National Guard; PGA HOPE Nebraska; Lincoln, Neb.
● Jeanie Butler; Navy; PGA HOPE Pacific Northwest; Forest Grove, Ore.
● Ryan Carr; Navy; PGA HOPE Georgia; Kennesaw, Ga.
● David Diaz; Army; PGA HOPE Middle Atlantic; Clarksburg, Md.
● Tracy Engles; Army; PGA HOPE Wisconsin; Belgium, Wis.
● Christopher Garner; Coast Guard; PGA HOPE Tennessee; Memphis, Tenn.
● Ron Gionta; Air Force; PGA HOPE Tri-State; Pittsburgh, Penn.
● Nick Heinrich; Air Force; PGA HOPE Southern Ohio; Englewood, Ohio
● Scott McAllister; Army; PGA HOPE Connecticut; Belchertown, Mass.
● Josh Miller; Army Reserve; PGA HOPE North Florida; Orlando, Fla.
● Aaron Ojard; Navy; PGA HOPE Philadelphia; Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
● Robert Olaires; Army; PGA HOPE Northern California; Morgan HIll, Calif.
● Zechariah Owens; Army; PGA HOPE Colorado; Buffalo, Wy.
● Nick Palazzolo; Army; PGA HOPE Northern Texas; Frisco, Texas
● Franko Pynter; Navy; PGA HOPE Indiana; New Palestine, Ind.
● Alex Venker; Army; PGA HOPE Carolinas; Charlotte, N.C.
● Clement Vianueva; Army; PGA HOPE Aloha; Haiku, Hawaii
● Tamari Watkins; Army; PGA HOPE Metropolitan; Monticello, N.Y.
Squad Leaders:
● James Davenport; Navy; PGA HOPE Southern California; Temecula, Calif.
● Michael Slater; Army; PGA HOPE Connecticut; Grandby, Mass.
