Military

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH WNY. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. In 2017, there were 1,500 veterans impacted nationwide by this therapeutic program.
It is a fact that suicide is a major issue among military veterans, with recent statistical studies showing that 22 veterans a day commit suicide. PGA HOPE is working to change this statistic.

Led by local WNYPGA Professionals, PGA REACH WNY impacted the lives of over 60 veterans cross Buffalo, Rochester and Erie, PA. These veterans were given 6-week clinics and access to multiple golf facilities at NO COST.

In 2018, PGA REACH WNY was also honored to be able to help place a Vietnam Veteran, Edy Andino, in a job opportunity at Glen Oak Golf Course, which is a local PGA Golf Facility in Buffalo, NY. Mr. Andino was quoted saying, “Without golf, and the instruction from the PGA Professionals, I may not be alive today. Golf has given me a positive outlook on life. I was very self-conscious before entering PGA HOPE, but now since entering the program there has been a positive change in both my mental and physical health.”