PGA of America Master Professional Linda Mulherin’s first time teaching a PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program proved to be a memorable one.

 

Last month, PGA HOPE Central New York wrapped up an all-female golf clinic for military veterans at Drumlins Country Club. It was the first time Drumlins hosted a PGA HOPE clinic.

 

For Mulherin, teaching golf to women who served our country was a gratifying experience. A total of 12 women from different branches of the military took part in the clinic with class size varying from week to week.

 

“I loved it, it was awesome,” Mulherin said. “When you go to the (PGA HOPE) training, it gets you inspired. I loved the female aspect of it. It was extremely rewarding.”

 

Mulherin took the lead on-site while instructing while Central New York PGA Marketing Communications Director Brittany Wowelko, PGA led program. Wowelko helped teach as well as handling the administrative aspects of the clinic, including registration and student communication.

 

Drumlins Head Professional Sean Dadey, PGA, also played a key role in the clinic as the liaison for the Drumlins facility, securing access to the driving range and the West Course during the six weeks. He also assisted in instruction.

 

Jackie Snow, a Navy Veteran, enjoyed her experience at Drumlins.

 

“I participated in a PGA HOPE clinic at Turning Stone Resort Casino a couple years ago and I was the only woman in the group,” Snow said. “So the thing I liked the most was having two female PGA Professionals, Linda and Brittany, plus Sean there to share their advice. They each had a different perspective that gave us options and to find what techniques felt the best for each of us.”

 

Mulherin and Wowelko came up with the clinic’s six-week schedule. Instruction varied from week to week and covered many topics including etiquette, equipment, pitching and irons, drivers and woods, putting and short game skills.

 

The clinic, which was at no cost to the Veterans, started in May. The women who took part served in the Army, Marine Corp, Navy, National Guard and one who is still on active duty.

 

“I’m deeply grateful to PGA REACH for making this program possible,” said Army Veteran Beth Kubala. “PGA HOPE “introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well‑being”  It’s a mission truly worth supporting, and I feel fortunate to have been part of it.”

 

Drumlins provided golf clubs to those who needed them during the Thursday morning hour-long clinics.

 

“We had beginners to ladies who haven’t picked up a club in 25 years to members at Drumlins and Lakeshore who play weekly,” Wowelko said.

 

When rain thwarted instruction one week, Mulherin and Wowelko moved things indoors for a putting clinic.

 

“It was super successful,” Mulherin said. “We went into Drumlin’s banquet facility and set up three different putting stations indoors so we didn’t lose out on a week.”

 

“The most important thing I learned is that golf demands patience—and a great coach,” Kubala said. “But even more importantly, learning becomes easier and more rewarding when you’re surrounded by other women veterans who share similar values and backgrounds.”

 

Mulherin enjoyed the participants enthusiasm each week, especially when they went out on the course.

 

Mulherin said the par-3 18th hole on the Drumlins West Course where the tee box is situated high above the green was a crowd pleaser.

 

“They loved it, they were like kids,” she said. “They kept wanting to hit from up there.”

 

On graduation day, each participant received a HOPE graduation card and a CNY PGA Player’s Card giving them access to golf related discounts. The Player’s Cards for PGA HOPE graduates are sponsored by Usherwood Technologies.

 

“What I enjoyed most about my PGA HOPE experience was participating in a six-week clinic alongside fellow women veterans,” Kubala said. “The shared camaraderie and understanding made the journey both powerful and uplifting.”

 

The Section also awarded graduate Terry Clark a spot to attend the PGA HOPE clinic at En-Joie Golf Club prior to the Dick’s Open July 11-13.

 

The female veterans surprised their instructors with a gift of their own. A military Challenge Coin, which is a symbol of achievement and appreciation, was awarded to Mulherin, Wowelko and Dadey.

 

 

“I had goosebumps when they gave it to us,” Mulherin said. “They gave one to the three of us for what we did and how above and beyond the program was.”

 

“We were surprised,” Wowelko said. “I’ve never had one presented to me for work that I’ve done so it was really special.”