PGA of America's HOPE golf instructional program for veterans spreads hope, joy, healing and recovery among United States veterans.
PGA of America's HOPE program is saving veterans' lives through the game of golf, one putt at a time.When Garret Hrynko came home from Afghanistan in 2016, his life was spiraling out of control. He'd lost a close friend, Kyle Gilbert, downrange. The battlefield had taken its toll. Self-destructive behaviors were pushing him to the brink. At his lowest point, he knew he needed a little hope. And hope is exactly what saved him.
"HOPE stands for 'Helping our Patriots Everywhere,'" said Chris Hunt, the executive director of the New Jersey Golf Foundation, which worked with PGA of America to start New Jersey's first HOPE chapter at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lyons. Of about 475 PGA professionals in New Jersey, Chris Hunt estimates at least a dozen are veterans themselves. He says they're all involved with PGA HOPE.
But that late September day, he wasn't there for therapy. He was perfecting his swing for one the country's premiere courses. Dave Stockton, a two-time PGA Championship winner and 1991 Ryder Cup Captain, was in attendance as an instructor. On the practice green, flanked by a group of rapt veterans, he pointed to a tiny area next to the cup.To Hrynko, this philosophy means much more than a way to improve his short game.
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