VA partners with PGA’s Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE)

Tiger Woods once said that, “I smile at obstacles.” Sometimes obstacles are what Veterans face each day, whether in life or on the golf course.

Tennessee Valley VA has partnered with PGA Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE) to help Veterans work through life’s obstacles. Through partnership with our recreation therapy service, PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and service members across the country, and is available in 47 states and at more than 340 locations.

Recreation therapy uses golf as a part of physical, mental and social rehabilitation process for Veterans.

“PGA HOPE helped me reconnect with a game I grew up playing. It has also connected me with other Veterans as we learn and play the game together,” said Casey Willett, PGA HOPE Chattanooga graduate. “It is less about the score and more about meeting other Veterans from different walks of life and connecting with them. We share a common bond as Veterans and golf is an outlet to help us stay connected in the community.”

This year, Chattanooga VA’s outreach team partnered with PGA HOPE to raise awareness of VA benefits while Veterans connected with the game—and with each other.

“It’s been a true honor getting this program started in the Chattanooga region,” said PGA Chattanooga regional director Lamar Mills. “It has been great to see the participation and growth we have had in the last year. We are now almost at 70 graduates in our program over the last year. The future of this program is bright in this region. We look forward to getting our 2024 schedule posted by the end of the year.”

Veterans in Chattanooga should check with their local VA provider to learn more about recreation therapy and other programs and services offered such as Whole Health.