Support Will Help Veterans in the PGA HOPE and PGA HOPE Wingman programs.
In an unprecedented level of support, the Arizona Golf Fund has awarded the Southwest PGA Foundation a $50,000 Grant for support of PGA HOPE Southwest, and the Foundation’s post PGA HOPE program — PGA HOPE Wingman. PGA HOPE Southwest & PGA HOPE Wingman serves military veterans and active-duty personnel across the State of Arizona, with the largest Veteran population in the country located in Arizona. This community includes people living with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), physical disabilities, depression, and social isolation.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 7% of veterans live with PTSD. Many also face re-occurring depression and anxiety, compounding challenges with reintegration into civilian life (2025). Veterans with service-related injuries often encounter limited access to culturally responsive, community-based wellness programs. The National Veterans Homeless Support notes that social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of mental health decline and risk of homelessness among post-9/11 veterans (2025).
Economically, many of the veterans served live on fixed incomes or disability benefits, making participation in recreational or therapeutic programs cost-prohibitive. PGA HOPE Southwest removes these barriers by providing all instruction, equipment, course access, and graduation events completely free of charge.
Tommy McKone, a seasoned public relations professional, and Southwest PGA Foundation Independent Director, emphasized that this support is underpinned by the goals of improving social connection, enhancing mental health benefits, and fostering reintegration and engagement within our veteran community. Furthermore, McKone highlighted the importance of leveraging relationships across the industry and commended the Arizona Alliance for Golf and the Arizona Golf Fund for their dedication in infusing financial resources toward the common mission in making these objectives a priority within the State of Arizona.
There are currently 27 facilities & 64 Sessions being served in the State of Arizona. In 2026 PGA HOPE Southwest alone will serve just under 1,000 military veterans and active-duty service members. The support attained by the Arizona Golf Fund will empower an additional 100 Veterans in a journey of hope, healing, and connection.
PGA HOPE Wingman will on its own be taken to new heights through the support of the AGF. This funding alone will assist 100 veterans at 5 program sites with a 4-week post PGA HOPE Southwest program designed to expand upon their groundbreaking experiences of PGA HOPE Southwest. Demands for each program continues to grow, with more than 1,400 veterans currently on a waitlist.
One amazing story told by veteran William Hodges chronicles his journey, and highlights the profound impact made by the Southwest PGA Foundation. His testimony says it all.
“PGA HOPE has saved my life. I was on the verge of a complete breakdown. As an amputee facing multiple daily challenges, PGA HOPE and the PGA HOPE Wingman program provided the formula for me to escape the isolation and loneliness I had been experiencing. Without the game of golf, I’m not sure where, or even if, I would be here right now. After the first session, I broke down and cried. I couldn’t believe my fellow veterans and the PGA professionals conducting the program cared as much as they did. That night, I experienced a sense of calm and gratitude I had forgotten existed.”
The Arizona Golf Fund Committee is spearheaded by community leaders Gregg Tryhus, Sally Pope, Jock Holliman, Karrin Taylor Robson and Amy Louis. Each recognizes the importance of our military veterans and active duty personnel within the State of Arizona.
“By creating inclusive, adaptive golf opportunities, the Foundation provides veterans with physical activity, confidence, camaraderie, and connection—restoring community to those who have sacrificed greatly for our nation,” says Southwest PGA Foundation CEO Michael Haywood, PGA. “Our gratitude is at an all-time high right now with this support. In a world of wants and needs, we can’t thank the Committee and Arizona Golf Fund enough for the statement they have made as partners with this next level program support.”
Visit the Southwest PGA Foundation website for information on community, partnerships, impact programs, and more at swspgafoundation.org.
About the Arizona Golf Fund
The Arizona Golf Fund (AGF) is a philanthropic initiative managed by the Arizona Alliance for Golf and Arizona Community Foundation to support and grow golf-focused nonprofits across the state. It acts as a centralized portal for funding junior golf, environmental research, sustainability, and accessibility programs, allowing donors to support the game without competing with existing charity efforts.
The fund serves as a “united voice for golf” in Arizona, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of the sport, which, according to the Alliance, contributes significantly to the state’s economy and tourism.
