From Tee to Togetherness: Golf as a Bridge for Veterans

A perfectly struck shot brought shouts of fun and joy; a missed putt drew good-natured ribbing. 

“I’m thankful that we had the chance to feel alive again. I’m excited for future events,” said Navy Veteran Robert Garcia.

The day of golf wasn’t only about teeing off! It was a day filled with meditation, awards, gift items, and a free lunch. All skill levels were welcome and for the golfers who wanted some pointers, there was even a free golf clinic.

Building Bonds Across Generations

For Vets Whole in One, the mission with the VA and Heroes Golf Course goes far beyond the scorecard. Central to that mission is Heroes Golf Course, a nine-hole course on the West LA VA Medical Center campus where Veterans play free, run by the nonprofit Bandini Foundation as part of its historic mission to serve Veterans.

As part of that shared mission, the VA and Heroes Golf Course provide space and support for Vets Whole in One’s programs, whether on the course itself or meditation in nearby spaces like the Japanese Garden.

Vets Whole in One is dedicated to supporting Veterans through mindfulness coaching, golf clinics at multiple locations, and shared meals that strengthen peer connections. This nonprofit brings together Veterans from different eras, including those who served during the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Afghanistan War.

“It’s really great to see the younger Veterans getting the opportunity to connect with the older Veterans who haven’t spoken about their service in years,” said Jonathan Chia, Army Veteran, volunteer, and owner of The Reality Center, a wellness center in Santa Monica designed for specifically for Veterans.

Chia mentioned that younger Veterans share more openly because their experience of serving in the military is more fresh. 

“At events like these, older Veterans are more likely to open up and bring to the surface memories they’ve kept buried deep inside. Vets Whole in One does an amazing job at bridging the gap between community, leisure, sports, and mindfulness,” said Chia.

A Mission to Save Lives

Jim Dennerline, PGA of America Golf Professional and the Founder and President of Vets Whole in One, spoke about the deeper purpose behind the program.

“Our mission is to save a Veteran’s life. Far too many Veterans lose their lives to suicide. With our program, we aim for Veterans to heal, live life again, and form healthy habits they can carry with them.”

Dennerline emphasized the positive impact he's seen, noting that younger Veterans heal, progress, and move forward finding success with their careers, while retired Veterans enjoy the strong community Vets Whole in One has built — thanks in part to having more time to engage.

“Vets Whole in One’s programs a calming oasis in the middle of the city, where I learned not just to golf, but to find presence and connection among fellow Veterans,” said Navy Veteran AJ Perez.

A Unique Blend of Golf and Mindfulness

The championship began with glimmering sunlight, a brushing breeze, and meditation to create a peaceful tone for the tournament. 

“I think participants are surprised by how calm they feel after just five to fifteen minutes of meditation,” said Chia.

Vets Whole in One stands out for the way it integrates mindfulness into every golf event.

Army National Guard Veteran Dustin Beluscak said he values how the program brings mindfulness back into Veterans’ lives. “It’s helped me advance in my professional career by carrying mindfulness into the outside world,” said Beluscak.

Food, Community, and Competition

At the tournament, volunteers prepared and served cheeseburgers and hot dogs. Shared lunches give Veterans a chance to relax, swap stories, meet other golfers, and recharge.

“The food served is always delicious, and the volunteers preparing the meals are always very gracious,” said Air Force Veteran Ruben Rosales.

Rosales noted that tournaments sharpen both strategy and focus: assessing distances, reading wind and terrain, and selecting clubs — all while deepening friendships between shots.

During the lunch hour, some of the 45 Veterans received gifts in recognition of their participation. Over the past two years, items have included golf caps, caddie towels, golf shirts, and even golf shoes, with closest-to-the-pin winners often taking home premium prizes.

This year’s championship came down to the wire, with Air Force Veteran Kevin Banic edging out Erik Robles by a single shot for the title. Last year’s champion, Gabriel Salinas, passed the honor to Banic, whose name was added to the permanent Championship Trophy displayed in the pro shop. Banic also received three Vokey wedges, a type of club designed for short approach shots, chips, and other shots that require a lot of loft and control.

Get Involved

As the program grows, Vets Whole in One continues to offer free golf clinics, tournaments, and mindfulness sessions at West LA VA and various other locations for all Veterans. 

Golf events are held throughout the year at the Heroes Golf Course, where Veterans enjoy free access to play. Veterans can view future events on the Heroes course calendar, and are strongly encouraged to register in advance for tournaments and events. Vets Whole in One posts its calendar of events at vetswholeinone.org/events. 

Vets Whole in One suffered loss of equipment due to the Palisades fire, but they are working urgently to rebuild to continue their mission. Events are now beginning again and the nonprofit is actively raising funds to continue regular programming. Please check back soon for updates, volunteer opportunities, and ways to participate at www.vetswholeinone.org. 

In Memory of Stephen Islas

The Veteran community lost a cherished friend with the passing of Stephen Islas in December 2024. Though he was with us during the 2024 Heroes Veteran Club Championship, health challenges prevented him from attending the tournament, and his absence was deeply felt.

Islas helped bring the meditation practice to Vets Whole in One, offering Veterans a space for calm, reflection, and healing. His gentle spirit, dedication, and unwavering support touched the lives of all who knew him.

“Despite not being in attendance at last year’s tournament, his presence was still felt — in the friendships he nurtured, the practices he inspired, and the sense of connection that continues to grow at every gathering. This year, during the 2025 tournament, his name was spoken with honor, a reminder that his spirit remains part of the game, the community, and the hearts of those he served alongside,” said Dennerline. 

Special Thanks

Thank you to Vets Whole in One and the Heroes Golf Course for sponsoring this event. An additional thanks goes out to the Bandini Foundation, DAV Chapter 5, Plaza Golf, and the Volunteers of Southern California PGA. 

For information about golf and mindfulness, check out this article on our blog: From Chaos to Calm: How a Meditation and Golf Program is Helping Veterans.