Veterans and active-duty military in the Las Cruces and El Paso community have another opportunity to participate in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program this year at New Mexico State University's Golf Course. Â
The free program introduces the game of golf to veterans in an effort to enhance their mental, physical, and emotional well-being through a developmental six-week curriculum taught by PGA professionals trained in adaptive and military cultural competency.
"PGA HOPE is more than a six-week golf class, it brings our military community together," said Jason White, director of the NMSU Golf Course and PGA member. "The friendships that I have seen forged through the sessions we have been blessed to offer have been special to witness." Â
The NMSU Golf Course will offer two six-week sessions and provide necessary equipment. Session one will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays from May 16 to June 20. Session two will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 12. The last day for both sessions will run from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Â
Whether a veteran is new to golf or has previous experience, participants will be guided through all aspects of the game, including putting, chipping, iron play, driver and fairway woods. Â
Local Marine Corps veteran and ambassador for the Sun Country Golf Foundation Dan Hon shared that PGA HOPE provides a path with no barriers, and everyone has a place in the program. Â
"I have seen our veterans and active-duty military start PGA HOPE as strangers and leave as friends," Hon said. "I've seen a veteran during the first class stand aside by himself, just listening and taking in the lay of the land. By the third week, he joined in on a conversation, confused because it felt quite normal to share with the other veterans. By the end of the program, he was laughing and cutting up like one of the boys, unconditionally accepted. It's in that moment he wasn't thinking of the past, not feeling the elephant on his back, he was living in the moment and the start of many tomorrows." Â
PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of PGA of America. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations. Â
To register, visit www.PGA.com and click on "Things To Do," then "PGA HOPE." If "PGA HOPE NMSU" does not appear on the list, type in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in the "search city" bar. For other questions or information, contact the NMSU Golf Course at 575-646-3219.
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-golf-course-to-host-free-2024-pga-hope-program-for-veterans/s/7c7fca50-def1-476f-a68a-33b7f6d9a545
