PGA National Day of HOPE

NENY PGA HOPE is a 5–7-week adaptive golf program offered to veterans free of charge by PGA Professionals of the Northeastern New York PGA Section and throughout the northeast region. The program is designed to introduce veterans to the game of golf in an effort to enhance their overall
quality of life. 

The program is open to all veterans and oftentimes includes their family members and support individuals. HOPE is taught by our volunteer golf professionals and others who have a desire to give back and PGA Head Professional at Town of Colonie GC, Noel Gebauer along with NENY PGA Section Operations Director and PGA Associate, Christian Torres are the LEAD Instructors. Both individuals and the Town of Colonie GC have been dedicated to the program since its start in the NENY PGA Section four years ago.

NENY PGA HOPE has been fortunate to work in coordination and support with the Albany Veteran Affairs Center and Michele Ferrauilo, recreational therapist, and an avid golfer herself to help promote the golf program to local area veterans who frequent the VA programming as a recreational outlet for many. NENY PGA Section golf professionals have been specifically trained to work with veterans of various disabilities and to adapt their approach to people of all disabilities, whether it is physical or
cognitive. 

During the program, the instructors teach the basics of the swing to those veterans who attend each session and then include friendly contests as well as some on-course play. Students vary from complete beginners learning the game to veterans who have some golf experience and are seeking to improve. Graduation day will consist of a small ceremony with our PGA Instructors, students, volunteers and Town of Colonie leaders and officials and all graduates will receive a NENY PGA HOPE card that entitles them to discounts and complimentary golf to local NENY PGA participating golf facilities and then a Drive, Chip & Putt competition for the HOPE students.

Rhonda is just one example of a PGA HOPE participant whose life was literally transformed by the mission and her participation. Rhonda didn’t even know if she could swing a golf club, as she has injuries that only allow her to use one arm. Her goals align perfectly with ours, “to help introduce my fellow Veterans and their families to the game of golf!” The NENY PGA is seeking to expand its reach of the HOPE program into other areas of the region under the newly established charity foundation, PGA REACH NENY.

Currently, NENY PGA HOPE operates three Chapters with our flagship Chapter at Town of Colonie GC and then NY Golf Park, Lucas Cohen, PGA Owner & Operator in Hudson, NY and in Herkimer, NY at MV Golf & Sports Center with PGA Head Professional, Mark Lane.