By Greg Wise Photos by Beverly Wise
growing the game
Veterans with a Mission Dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans from all branches and their family members through the camaraderie and sportsmanship of golf, the Veteran Golfers Association hosts more than 450 local tournaments in 49 states, culminating in the VGA National Championship each fall. The Veteran Golfers Association started as an idea amongst Wounded Veterans at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. Several friends routinely play golf courses around the area to encourage each other to not only improve their games, but to also heal through camaraderie, conversation, and competition. After recovering from their injuries, these friends relocated around the country, and missed the opportunity to compete against one another regularly.
Realizing that many other Veterans may be in this same situation, these friends created in 2014 the Veteran Golfers Association. The first golfing organization dedicated to promoting the game to all Veterans and their family members. The VGA develops programs that allow members to compete, socialize, and remain physically active through the game of golf. Through local league play, regional tournaments, and national qualifiers, reinforcing values such as integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. Additionally, the VGA offers family-oriented activities that help Veterans, and their family members increase the amount of quality time spent together and be more active in their communities. The statistics truly show what makes this organization what it is today for so many Veterans and family members.
• 9,100 + Members • Over 450 Golf Tournaments this year • 4 Regions of the United States • 49 States Represented • 100+ Volunteer Leaders • 325 Purple Heart Recipients Playing • Over 80,000 Rounds of Golf Played this season 24
Look at the roster in your state. Membership is a requirement and Family Members can play in these events. My father was in the Army and had a son in the Navy. Although I had not served, I am able to join and participate, listen to the stories, and share memories. Granted the organization starts their season, while the weather has not really warmed up in some locations… it is still the ‘Mission’ that brings us all together. This week’s tournament was in Panama City, Florida at the Nicklaus Designed – Bay Point. The Nicklaus Design group had a field day with the golfers’ emotions when playing Bay Point. Making it through the day was truly a major adventure. I heard a comment… “I was in so much sand today… it seemed like I was back in the desert battling for our country.” Okay… that seemed a little extreme until I found the bunker on a par 5… and that pretty much took my doublepar quota for that hole. Could anyone bring me a camel to get out of here? Look at their website (vgagolf.org) and I believe that you will be surprised with the course quality that they are playing around the country. The Local Qualifiers set you up for a State tournament showdown. Then you can advance to the Regional Championships and then ultimately to the 2021 National Championship located this year at the Baltusrol & Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey. Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 2
