LOUISVILLE, Kentucky & FRISCO, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – The Kentucky Golf Foundation has announced the official start of the PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign benefiting PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere) programs across Kentucky. In its seventh year, the PGA National Day of HOPE spans for over a month, running now through Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) and culminating on November 30. This annual campaign celebrates our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom, while raising awareness and support for PGA HOPE.  

PGA HOPE is designed to introduce golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. PGA REACH and PGA HOPE aspire to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community through a six- to eight-week curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.  

The PGA National Day of HOPE campaign launches in conjunction with the 2023 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, which is held from Oct. 10-17. Through a longstanding partnership between PGA REACH and Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, 20 Veterans, all graduates of local PGA HOPE programs, will participate in an immersive, four-day event that includes advanced golf instruction and wellness training.  

Once again, PGA of America Chief Membership Officer John Easterbrook Jr., PGA is serving as Co-Campaign Chair alongside PGA REACH National Trustee Bret Baier for the 2023 PGA National Day of HOPE campaign.  

“At the core of PGA HOPE is the Veteran; golf just happens to be a great vehicle to help the Veteran along his or her journey,” says Easterbrook. “I’m so proud of our PGA Professionals across the country who have stepped up to lead a PGA HOPE program in their community. We are encouraging all supporters of the Veteran community to give with a purpose this Veterans Day.” 

In addition to corporate support, other PGA Sections representing other regions and local PGA HOPE programs will offer online fundraising. In 2023, PGA National Day of HOPE is expected to raise over $400,000 for local PGA HOPE programs in all participating Sections.  Serving over 11,000 Veterans in 

2023 and 30,000 annually by 2026, PGA HOPE is uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in Veteran communities across the U.S. In 2023, the Kentucky HOPE chapters impacted 540 veterans across the Commonwealth. 

“We are very excited to be a part of the National Day of HOPE campaign again this year,” states Kentucky Golf Foundation Coordinator Erin Rowland. “We are hoping to raise funds to purchase golf clubs for all of our 2024 PGA HOPE chapters in the state to make sure every Veteran has access to this program without hindrance. PGA HOPE makes an impact on our local Veterans - please consider giving back to the people who have given back to our country.”

To learn more about The Kentucky Golf Foundation and how you can support the 2023 PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign, please visit https://p2p.onecause.com/pgandoh2023/team/kentucky-section .

ABOUT PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6- to 8-week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY GOLF FOUNDATION

The Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF) is one of the three organizations encompassed under Golf House Kentucky, in addition to the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) and Kentucky PGA Section (KPGA). The KGF is a joint initiative of the KGA and KPGA that was founded in 2002 to enhance lives through golf throughout the Commonwealth. The KGF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. 

ABOUT PGA REACH

PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

Media Contact
Abby Ligons | Golf House Kentucky | aligons@kygolf.org