BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – Valley veterans can bond and heal through golf. A special program shows care and respect for vets — a program that’s par for the course.
The PGA HOPE program teaches veterans to play golf or play it better. It’s six weeks of instruction at the Mill Creek Park Golf Course.
“This game is a relaxing game. It’s supposed to be a relaxing game in the first place so when you get out here with a couple other veterans, you look around and say, ‘You know? Man, does it get any better than this?’” said Keith Burke, of Niles.
This fall’s group includes 41 golfers, ages 20 to 92.
It’s the fifth year for PGA HOPE, which stands for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere.
“Listening to them tell stories or kind of, like, dig at each other — Marines versus Navy, Army and all that — it’s fun,” said Stacie Butler, one of the four PGA professional instructors.
Dave Boos, a veteran himself, is another instructor. He’s helping other veterans learn to play better.
“Loads of information in my head and I love passing it along,” Boos said.
The session on Tuesday dealt with bunker play and the longer they practiced, the more hope emerged in their swings.
“Most of us aren’t that good but we’re trying to get better, and this program is something that has definitely helped me get better,” said Andrew Martino, of Boardman.
PGA HOPE recognizes the importance of veterans to get out and interact with each other. It also gives them an opportunity to be together as a group, find new playing partners and become better golfers.
“We teach a lot of cause and effect of, ‘Hey, the ball went to the right. What do I have to do on the next one to make it go straight or get in play?’ But giving people opportunities is what we’re here for,” said Brian Tolnar, another PGA professional.
PGA HOPE is done twice a year. The group of veterans who completed the course earlier this year was made up of all women.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
