NWO Golf Links January 2017

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Golf is Adapting to Veterans
There are millions of ways to hit
a golf ball, there is no perfect
swing. Plus, golf can make a
difference in people’s lives.
Project Hope at Las Barrancas
Golf Course in Yuma, Arizona
is helping veterans adapt to
their perfect golf swing and
making a positive impact in
their lives at the same time.
a long time PGA Member,
who lost his lower right leg
due to an infection in early
2016. He and I have become
to provide instruction to
veterans with disabilities. It is
our combined mission to help
improve the lives of veterans in
the Yuma area through golf.
PGA HOPE is growing throughout
the USA. The program teaches
golf pro-fessionals, volunteers
and instructors to effectively
communicate and teach
physically or mentally affected
veterans. TheVA or other similar
organizations help coordinate
the efforts of these programs
within a local community.
The golf students may bring
a service dog, a therapist, a
family member, or other friends
to the sessions. Although it is
difficult to understand what a
veteran may have gone through,
the point is to enlighten their
current life and move forward in
a positive manner via golf.
There are approximately six
million veterans that qualify
for Project Hope. If a veteran
learns to play golf, he can then
play with his children or other
family members. Bringing the
families closer and providing a
healing mechanism.
The style or purity of the golf
swing is not important. This
becomes “adaptive” golf. The
simple act of getting a golf ball
airborne is cause for celebration
for a severely injured patriot.
Special clubs for students
confined to a wheel chair, with
prosthetic limbs or paralysis
are needed and can help in the
teaching process.
The VA in Yuma has gotten
involved in a big way and sent
out invitations to 15,000 Vets.
In addition, theYuma Chamber
of Commerce is offering
support to the project, as well.
This is a ‘Win-Win’ situation!
That is why we are so excited
to bring this program to Yuma,
Arizona and hope other
communities around the
country will follow our lead.
To learn more, volunteer or
make a donation to Project
Hope contact Mark Croft at:
By: Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen, PGA Professional
NWO Golf Links