The fourth annual 100 Holes for HOPE charity event was held Thursday, June 17 at Mount Frontenac Golf Course in Frontenac, Minn. There were 213 birdies made by 16 participating PGA Professionals and veterans. With the support of partners and donors, the event generated $67,000. The golfers consisted of ten PGA Professionals and six Minnesota military veterans. Partners from Knutson Construction and Faegre Drinker joined for a fun filled day of golf.
The goal of 100 Holes for HOPE is to raise funds for PGA REACH Minnesota and its flagship veteran rehabilitation program, PGA HOPE, which stands for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere. The program is open to all veterans and is a 6-8 week golf clinic built to help them learn and play golf in a safe, adaptive, therapeutic environment with other veterans. All HOPE Chapters are taught under direction of PGA Professionals, who have completed a specific training on teaching golf to veterans who may have barriers to traditional golf because of physical, emotional, mental, or PTSD challenges.
The amount raised from this year’s event will cover the cost for an estimated 55 veterans to participate in the 6-8 week program. These funds allow veterans to participate free of charge. The Minnesota Section is proud to have nine established chapters throughout Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and parts of Western Wisconsin. We are looking to grow that number in the coming years as well. “It's our duty to help those who have given so much to us and our country. By providing an outlet through golf, and to give back to these heroes, we are excited to continue raising awareness and financial support with 100 Holes for HOPE,” said Jeff Drimel, CEO of the Minnesota PGA/PGA REACH Minnesota.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran who may be interested in participating in a PGA HOPE Chapter, please reach out. You do not need to have any golf experience to join.