Area golfers support veterans

A tip of the hat this week goes to Capital Region golf professionals and members supporting veterans through programs and fundraisers.

PGA Teaching Professionals are embracing the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program which introduces golf to veterans and active duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

PGA HOPE programs are developing under the guidance of the PGA REACH Northeastern New York PGA Foundation, which in turn is supported by the national PGA REACH program.

I caught up with Kennie Sims, senior director of the national PGA REACH program, at Oak Hill Country Club during the PGA Championship on the final day of competition. Sims and his PGA colleagues were in the throes of celebrating PGA professional Michael Block, who tearfully represented PGA Teaching Professionals by finishing tied for 15th place and earning a $288,333 paycheck.

PGA HOPE has blossomed under Sims, who has been with PGA Reach for one year and who previously worked in the golf industry for 14 years as Vice President of Golf Operations at Tampa Sports Authority.

“When I first walked in, we had just finished 2021 and we served 4,500 veterans that year. (This year) we will service between 11,000 and 12,000 veterans across the country,” he said.

Sims has personally seen how PGA HOPE helps veterans.

“So someone who is going through some trauma or going through depression, when you’re standing over the golf ball, you’re not thinking about all of the problems that you have in life,” Sims said. “So not only do you have that moment where you’re focusing on something else, you also have the opportunity to engage with other people that can help you uplift your spirits.”

“We see it all the time with our work with veterans. When veterans come together, they uplift each other,” he said.

Sims has worked hand-inhand with Tracie Warner, executive director of the NENY PGA, to help establish and grow PGA REACH programs, including PGA HOPE and PGA Junior League.

“Although our foundation is young, PGA HOPE has become