Par for the Course: Veterans Bond and Heal Through PGA Hope

Many of these Veterans have been referred to this program by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System in Charleston, which recognizes the therapeutic benefits of golf for its patients.

This is PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a program that's changing lives one swing at a time, and it has found a strong partner in the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, introduces golf to Veterans and active-duty military personnel as a form of therapy. The program aims to enhance participants' physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through a 6–8-week curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

For many Veterans, the program offers more than just golf instruction — it provides a lifeline to community and purpose.

"PGA HOPE has had a huge impact on my life," says Harold Hill, PGA HOPE Carolinas Ambassador and Coast Guard Veteran. "It truly has been a life-changing experience for me. I swing a golf club at some point each day, which helps me to relax and not get stressed out about things going on in the world. I am most at peace when out on the golf course with other Veterans."

The Carolinas Section, covering North and South Carolina, boasts 26 chapters, some with multiple clinic sites. In September, the Charleston chapter will celebrate conducting its 100th clinic, having graduated over 2,000 Veterans since 2015.

Josh Wagaman, PGA Head Golf Professional at Cougar Point and President of the Carolinas PGA has been teaching the PGA HOPE program at Kiawah since 2017. "We run it twice a year, in the summer and winter," Wagaman explains. "We have between 28 and 32 Veterans and between four and five peer mentors who are Veterans who have been through the program and some additional training."

The program's impact extends far beyond improving golf swings. "It's pretty clear the camaraderie," Wagaman notes. "They develop relationships with the golf professionals who help teach and with fellow Veterans. A lot of the Veterans come and don't know anybody in the program. By the time they finish the program, they're involved in playing groups, they're also involved in groups that hang out outside of golf."

This sense of community is a crucial aspect of the program's success. Many Veterans struggling with isolation or the challenges of transitioning to civilian life find support through both the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System and PGA HOPE. The program provides a supportive environment where they can connect with others who understand their experiences.

Reggie Williams, a Navy Veteran and PGA HOPE participant, attests to this: "I haven't had an opportunity to hang out with fellow brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces in a while, in a couple of years. So just being around other Veterans has been really cool."

The program is free for participants, thanks to funding from PGA REACH and supplemental support from PGA Section Foundations. This accessibility is crucial, as it allows Veterans from all backgrounds to participate without financial barriers.

PGA HOPE's partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs further enhances its reach and impact. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) enables VA doctors and staff to refer Veterans to the program as a form of therapy.

"PGA REACH/PGA HOPE has a standing MOU with the Ralph H. Johnson VA health Care System and the VA to support our Veterans," Hill explains. "The VA sends some Veterans to PGA HOPE as part of their rehabilitation prescription, as well as shares information about the program."

The therapeutic benefits of golf for Veterans are multifaceted. The sport provides physical activity, mental focus, and social interaction, all of which can be beneficial for those dealing with physical injuries, PTSD, or other service-related challenges.

"There are some Veterans who have become reclusive and not comfortable leaving their homes, but after a few sessions with PGA HOPE, they have less apprehension about coming out and they look forward to the clinic sessions," Hill shares.

The program is adaptable to various needs and abilities. "All the PGA instructors are adaptive golf trained, so they have effective methods of working with some who may have mobility issues, as well as PTSD," Hill explains. "Some locations have para-mobiles, which allow those who are wheelchair bound to sit, strap in, and use toggle switches to move around the course and raise themselves into a suitable position for a golf swing."

For many participants, the program reignites a passion for golf or introduces them to a new lifelong hobby. David Stam, an Air Force Veteran and PGA HOPE peer mentor, shares his experience: "I played golf for 60 years without any lessons, and my game reflected that. In 2021, a neighbor told me about PGA HOPE. It's a seven-week program for Veterans, offering two hours of individual instruction from pros once a week. When I found out it was free, I was amazed. That first real lesson in January 2021 rekindled my desire to play better golf."

Stam now volunteers as a peer mentor, helping new participants navigate the program. "We don't teach, but we do help the pros administer the program each week," he explains. This peer support system is integral to the program's success, providing an additional layer of understanding and encouragement for participants.

The impact of PGA HOPE extends beyond the golf course. Sabrina Cooley, a Navy Veteran, and program participant, reflects on the benefits: "Golf, like surfing, can be incredibly calming. It's an individual sport that allows you to challenge yourself while still enjoying the camaraderie of others. Even when I'm not performing well, I'm having fun and smiling. Being around other Vets who understand our shared experiences makes it easy to laugh at ourselves and each other without hurt feelings. We're all here to learn, have fun, and support one another."

For the PGA Professionals involved, teaching in the PGA HOPE program is a rewarding experience. "I didn't serve my country," Wagaman shares. "I've got the freedoms I have because of folks like you and folks like the Veterans here today that did serve the country. This is my way to give back to those who have sacrificed for us so we can do what we'd like to do and live in a free country that we live in."

The program's success has led to the formation of ongoing play groups, with Veterans coordinating games through social media and the friendships developed during the clinics. This ongoing engagement helps maintain the sense of community and support long after the initial program ends.

As PGA HOPE continues to grow, the need for community support and awareness remains crucial. "Publicity is key when considering the number of Veterans who aren't aware of PGA HOPE," Hill emphasizes. "The more information that is publicized, the greater the chance of reaching Veterans and active duty who can benefit from this incredible program."

Veterans can find the closest PGA HOPE program to them through this link PGA HOPE Carolinas.

For Veterans considering joining PGA HOPE but unsure about taking the first step, Hill offers encouragement: "Take the leap of faith and join other Veterans who have discovered camaraderie with other Veterans through the game of golf at no expense."

As the morning instruction session at Cougar Point wraps up before lunch, the impact of PGA HOPE is evident in the smiles, laughter, and sense of accomplishment shared by participants. For these Veterans, golf has become more than just a game — it's a path to healing, friendship, and renewed purpose.

PGA HOPE is one of many organizations that the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System encourages Veterans to utilize. A full list can be found on their website: Engaging Opportunities For Our Veterans | VA Charleston Health Care | Veterans Affairs.