Michigan Golf Journal February 2021

3 February 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com America, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans. Rick Lee of Brighton is a 28-year U.S. Army Veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Panama before being medically discharged in 2015 due to PTSD and lung injuries. He is a committed golfer who said he truly appreciated the PGA HOPE program and wants more disabled Veterans to give it a try. “I know PGA HOPE tries to draw in new golfers,” Lee said. “For all Veterans, but especially those with PTSD, and the suicide rates with all the depression – it’s really good for guys to get out of the house and interact with other people, especially other Veterans, and learn the game of golf. “You can never perfect the game but there’s always that challenge to get better, and the camaraderie and friendship with other golfers is great. I’m an experienced golfer but I still learn a lot (in the program).” Currently, there are 132 active PGA HOPE program locations nationwide, positively impacting more than 2,500 military Veterans each year. More than 350 PGA Members have been trained to specifically help Veterans. “We are getting set up for this coming summer for the second year at Fox Hills,” Whitten said. “We can host 16 veterans with disabilities per clinic with four golf instructors per 2-hour session. We hope to have a veteran golf league after the clinics this year.” To help fund PGA HOPE Michigan, supporters can spend a day at Topgolf Auburn Hills on Sunday, Feb. 28. For $75 enjoy a lunch buffet, soft drinks, a cash bar, and golf! All proceeds go to PGA HOPE Michigan and its various host sites. To register Click Here. Photo was taken prior to COVID-19. Whitten said he was able to teach 11 more Veterans this fall in another first-year program in Pensacola, Fla. It had Veterans who never tried the game before, including a paraplegic and two with spinal cord injuries. Any disabled Veteran who would like to learn more can contact Mark Runchey at markr@foxhills.com