“You never know how impactful the program is to the Veterans until they share their personal golf experiences, or how golf has recharged their spirits to do tasks outside of golf.” Bill Pollert, Head Golf Professional at Highland Golf and Country Club, is an annual host of the PGA HOPE program. His experience with the program has been eye-opening and has made him even more grateful for his health. “The little things that we all take for granted, these Veterans appreciate so much,” said Pollert. “Not just being able to hit a golf ball long and straight or make a putt, but to have our physical and mental health. All the opportunities we are afforded as golf professionals are something that we should never take for granted.” One of the goals of PGA HOPE is to utilize golf as a form of therapy. Statistics show 22Veterans a day commit suicide, PGA HOPE is working to drastically lower that number. Through a robust program strategy, PGA HOPE aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veterans community by shaping lives, changing lives, and possibly saving lives through the game of golf. The Indiana PGA has reached more than 150 Veterans to date, with a continued effort of expanding programming statewide. My first year being involved with the program, I instructed aVeteran who was always working to get back on his feet,” said Roger Lundy, First Tee-Indiana Regional Director-South. “Each week, he was enthusiastic about being there, but golf was never our main focus. Near the end of our session, he stopped coming and I wondered what happened. When I was getting off the airplane after a recent work trip in Indianapolis, I ran into him near the baggage claim. He told me how positive his life had become. He got a job, was helping other Veterans, and seemed happy. I feel that what we did made a real difference and reminded me why I got into the golf business in the first place. Indiana Golf Journal
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