PGA Of America Joins The America Supports You Team
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The PGA of America announced today the launch of The PGA of America/Disabled Sports USA Military Golf Program, a nationwide initiative that would involve active duty and retired men and women of the Armed Forces severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan in finding value in golf as a sport for rehabilitation and a fulfilling recreational pursuit. The announcement was made at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va.
The PGA of America/Disabled Sports USA Military Golf Program is a joint program between Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Project. The PGA of America also announced it has joined the America Supports You team, a Department of Defense program that highlights and recognizes citizens’ support for members of the U.S. Armed Services and their families.
The PGA of America will coordinate a team of PGA Professionals, who will become instructors for wounded warriors at sites near the nation’s three primary military hospitals – Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas; and Naval Medical Center San Diego in San Diego, Calif.
"Partnering with The PGA for the adaptive golf program will ensure that our wounded warriors receive the highest level of golf instruction possible," said Kirk Bauer, Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA, and a disabled Vietnam veteran. "After 40 years, we at Disabled Sports USA know that this positive experience will speed their rehabilitation and offer expanded opportunities to play golf throughout their lives."
"Throughout our Association’s 91-year history, PGA Professionals have taken great pride in giving back to the men and women of the military, both home and overseas, providing expert instruction and equipment which enable many to find enjoyment in the game of golf," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "The PGA of America/DSUSA Military Golf Program is an opportunity where our membership will step forward to connect with our country’s heroes to whom we owe so much. We are excited about the many men and women who can be touched by golf."
"We are so honored to have The PGA of America join with Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Project in being part of the America Supports You team," said Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and founder of America Supports You. "The support of these organizations for our wounded heroes is extraordinary and their efforts are a true reflection of the support of the American people for our nation’s military and their families, and we’re so grateful for all they’re doing."
PGA Professionals will guide disabled veterans through a curriculum that features golf’s basic skills; the basic Rules of Golf; employ teaching techniques that would utilize adaptive equipment where necessary; demonstrate how golf may be used as part of rehabilitation and teach safety concerns in swinging a golf club and the importance of stretching.
PGA Honorary Member Dennis Walters of Boca Raton, Fla., who became one of the country’s most popular golf clinicians and motivational speakers following an accident that left him a paraplegic, will support The PGA of America/DSUSA Military Golf Program. Walters will perform his acclaimed golf show at courses near designated VA Hospitals and also will serve as chairperson of a scramble golf tournament at each site.
PGA and LPGA Professional Judy Alvarez of Stuart, Fla., who began her professional golf career in 1993 as an instructor for golfers with disabilities, will head a training program for PGA Professional instructors. That team of PGA Professionals will conduct seven weeks of golf instruction for the wounded warriors and disabled veterans.
"Through the enthusiastic support of PGA Professionals in teaching our country’s heroes, we also support those members of the Armed Forces who have yet to return home and extend to their families our support from the home front," said Whitcomb. "Golf is the great communication vehicle among millions throughout the world, and we believe that The PGA of America/Disabled Sports USA Military Golf Program will build a level of enjoyment for our veterans for a lifetime."
About The PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country. For more information on The PGA of America/Disabled Sports Military Golf Program please visit www.pgafoundation.com. To Find a PGA Professional who teaches those with disabilities please visit www.playgolfamerica.com.
What is the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project?
The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA, its chapters and the Wounded Warrior Project, providing year-round sports programs for severely wounded service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict and the Global War on Terrorism. Programs take place at sites throughout the USA offering Wounded Warriors the chance to re-build their lives through sports.
The "Wounded Warriors" and their family members are provided these opportunities free of charge, including transportation, lodging, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction in over a dozen different winter and summer sports.
For more information regarding the Wounded Warrior Project, call (904) 296-7350 or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information regarding Disabled Sports USA, call (301) 217 0960 or visit www.dsusa.org
About America Supports You
America Supports You is an ongoing, nationwide program organized by the Department of Defense to showcase Americans’ support for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. Since its launch in November of 2004, the America Supports You program has welcomed over 250 homefront organizations and more than 35 corporations to the team. Many America Supports You supporters encourage the troops through letter writing, care packages, helping the wounded when they return home, assisting military families, sending an e-mail or kind gesture—to learn more about how you can support military personnel visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
Contact:
Jamie Carbone
jcarbone@pgahq.com
561/624-8446
