Conger donates $1K to PGA HOPE

PGA of America Golf Professional Jack Conger loves nothing more than to help others.

Whether it be golf instruction or mentoring PGA Assistants, Conger enjoys giving back to the game of golf. But when he was unable to hold PGA HOPE clinics for U.S. Veterans because of his busy work schedule at the Links at Erie Village, Conger had to get creative.

The Central New York PGA hall of famer decided to help PGA HOPE by offering winter golf Swing Tune Up sessions in February and March. Participants paid a $30 fee for a 30-minute swing evaluation with Conger. Conger donating $10 of the proceeds to PGA HOPE.

“I’m a certified PGA HOPE instructor but I can’t do an official clinic because I don’t have that kind of time for six weeks,” Conger said. “I said ‘What can I do?’ So, I came up with the Swing Tune Up.”

PGA REACH CNY Executive Director Joey Tesori, PGA appreciates Conger’s efforts to give back.

“Jack doing this for PGA HOPE just shows how powerful a role our PGA Members play in what we are trying to do for our foundation here at PGA REACH CNY,” Tesori said. “Jack did this because of the goodness in his heart and giving back to a program that he truly believes in.”

Conger held his swing evaluations indoors at the Links at Erie Village. Conger’s sessions were well received and he met his fundraising goal of $1,000.

“I had two people write me checks that didn’t even take the lessons,” Conger said. “They said “I love what you’re doing and we want to help.’ ”

For $30, participants received a swing lesson, a video and notes from Conger. No only were the sessions beneficial for participants, they also gave Conger the opportunity to donate to PGA HOPE and bring in new clientele.

“They got $125 lesson for more 30 minutes,” he said. “They got a lot for $30.”

Conger plays in the PGA HOPE Pro-Am annually and knows the importance of PGA HOPE programs which is why he came up with a different idea to help veterans.

With the success of the Swing Tune Up sessions, Conger is already planning on holding them again next year in January, February and half of March. He said next year’s goal will be $1,500.

“It’s the joy of giving back and that would be it in a nutshell,” Conger said. “Because I know that it’s going be used for the veterans and it’s going to make a difference.”

“It’s because of PGA Members like Jack that make PGA HOPE a powerful program here in CNY,” Tesori said. “Thank you Jack..for simply being you.”