On a sunny late summer day, 10 U.S. Veterans gathered at The Pompey Club driving range to begin a six-week PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) clinic.

 

Most of the Veterans are members at Pompey and know each other. Some are seasoned players like Ed Rahm, a U.S. Army Veteran, who has been golfing for 65 years. Another Veteran, Ed Skeele, is trying to pick the game back up after not playing for a few years.

 

The beauty of PGA HOPE is it doesn’t matter if they are new to the game or if they are an experienced golfer, the program is designed to teach golf to Veterans and active-duty military as well as enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

 

PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The Pompey Club is one of many free developmental clinics for Veterans offered by PGA REACH Central New York. The clinics are taught by PGA of America Members who received PGA HOPE Training. At Pompey, the certified instructors are PGA REACH CNY Executive Director Joe Tesori, PGA and CNY PGA Tournament Director Dylan Plis, PGA Associate.

 

The Veterans were broken up into two groups with Tesori giving instruction on putting and chipping around the practice putting green while Plis focused on irons and higher clubs at the driving range. The 10 Veterans taking part of PGA HOPE at The Pompey Club are among the 15,000 that will be trained this year across the country.

 

Participants were encouraged to ask questions. Tesori and Plis worked with everyone one-on-one, offering tips and techniques in relatable terms for the golfers.

 

There has been significant PGA HOPE growth in the Section. Multiple golf courses have hosted PGA HOPE programs this year including Turning Stone Resort Casino, Wa-Noa Golf Course, Oswego Country Club, Soaring Eagles Golf Course.

 

If you are a current or former military member and are interested in participating in a Central New York PGA HOPE program, go to our website to find a program or instructor near you.