Kent County Veterans Train with PGA Professionals Through PGA HOPE Program
CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (April 29, 2025) – The strong winds on Tuesday did not stop a group of veterans from training alongside professionals from the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) for their PGA HOPE program.
PGA HOPE is a free initiative designed to introduce and teach golf to veterans and active duty military, aiming to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program removes barriers to entry, providing instruction and equipment at no cost to participants.
"It's a completely free program for these veterans," emphasized Kelly Plaisier, PGA Player Development Director at RedWater Golf, who led Tuesday's training session alongside other PGA instructors. "They don't need their own clubs, and prior golf experience isn't required. It's all about providing an opportunity."
Tuesday marked the second session of the current six-week program, which takes place every Tuesday from April 15th to May 20th at Thornapple Pointe Golf Club in Cascade Township. Following the first week's focus on the full swing, this week's session centered on the intricacies of the short game.
"The short game involves putting, so half of the veterans began with putting drills. The session also included instruction on chipping and pitching techniques," explained Plaisier.
Plaisier expressed the rewarding nature of working with this dedicated group of veterans. "The veterans' personalities are so down to Earth, which is right up my alley, so we joke with them and we laugh a lot," she said. Plaisier says its amazing to see veterans come together from different places in the world to learn more about golf and have the best time.
"It fills my cup just as much as it fills their cup," she said.
Kent County Veterans Services was proud to promote this impactful program which offers a unique avenue for veterans to improve their health and well-being through golf - and have fun along the way.
Looking forward, additional PGA HOPE sessions are planned for the Summer and two more in the Fall, providing continued opportunities for veterans to engage with the sport.
If you are interested in learning more about how to sign up for this free program, you can call the Michigan PGA Section Office at (517) 641-7421. To keep up on veteran-focused events and programs, please contact Kent County Veterans Services here.
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