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By Daniel Calderon Veterans learning a proper swing at PGA HOPE Orlando
PGA HOPE is Giving Back PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA Reach and Yours & One Other (the charitable affiliate of the North Florida PGA) has touched the lives of those who have participated all year long, as it has done since its conception. The program provides Veterans with the opportunity to learn golf from PGA Professionals who are trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. The program spans six to eight weeks and strives to build community among the Veterans who participate and the PGA Professionals who lead them, as well as establish an immersive environment for them to learn the game at their own pace, evolve on a weekly basis and enhance their lives and outlook on undertaking a new challenge. Throughout the duration of each session, Veterans learn new skills and techniques from PGA Professionals, such as practicing and perfecting their swing to learning how to chip and putt. James Hazelton, a 2021 PGA HOPE graduate, recalls his experience: “The program brought me out of a funk,” James said. “It was very therapeutic to be outside learning the game of golf and moving my bones. I looked forward to getting up every Wednesday,
and I surprised myself at how fairly decent I was.” There were four PGA HOPE sessions held this year within the North Florida region: one in Jacksonville, one in Sarasota and two in Orlando. Following the completion of each session, a ceremony was held to celebrate the accomplishments of each Veteran who took part in the program. Enrique Jograj, a 2021 PGA HOPE graduate, was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about the game and be given a real chance to grow in the sport: “The coaching was exceptional,” Enrique said. “Before, my swing wasn’t proper and I wasn’t able to analyze my mistakes. Now, I know how to analyze
what I was doing wrong and have corrective ideas. What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere… it was like a family outing. And I walked away with a couple of friends because of this program. Yours & One Other is participating in Giving Tuesday on November 30th, the world’s biggest day of generosity. The day is recognized globally and celebrates philanthropy and empowers individuals to give back to communities and those within them. Funds raised will go toward programs like PGA HOPE, as well as programs that empower youth. And for Enrique and James, PGA HOPE has given them an invaluable experience that has left a lifelong imprint in the course of their lives.
Enrique Jograj at PGA HOPE Orlando 42
Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 8
