Serving Those Who Served

Tony Chavez, PGA is creating a safe space where veterans can find belonging, support, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Tony Chavez, PGA has had 81 veterans graduate from the PGA HOPE program. Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE) is a six to eight week program that introduces the game of golf to Active Duty military, Reserve, National Guard members, and Veterans.

When the national program came to Southern California in 2023, Chavez got certified to be an instructor. “PGA HOPE has been so successful, and has been coined as the program that actually saves lives,” said Chavez. When veterans come off combat, they’re leaving a life of order and companionship, and going back to civilian life; flying solo.

“PGA Hope not only offers the skill of how to take on the game of golf, but I could look a veteran in their eyes, and say, ‘Hey, this is a safe space. This is a safe environment. Nobody’s judging you by your skill.’ This is where people of a common background come together, and that’s what golf means.”

HOPE instructors are required to be specially certified before leading these seminars.“We learn how to spot the signs of PTSD,” says Chavez. “How to coach people with physical disabilities, like somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who has to use a cane to stabilize themselves. That’s what the certification is all about.”

Chavez has over 25 years of experience as a PGA Professional. His coaching is all about meeting golfers where they are and helping them improve with instruction that’s built around individualization. “I did not get a chance to serve, so this is my opportunity to serve the all heroes,” said Chavez.

Last year, Chavez put on the PGA Hope Cup, a post program event for graduates to come back and celebrate the game of golf. This year’s second annual PGA HOPE Cup will take place on July 16th at Los Serranos Golf Club, where 40 spots were opened for HOPE graduates to sign up.

In Southern California there are just under 2000 HOPE graduates, and Chavez has passionately been a part of changing lives the past three years. “This is a program that makes a difference, helping our U.S. veteran and active military community is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done in golf.”

Are you interested in supporting the mission of PGA HOPE? Click here or contact James Davenport, Foundation/PGA HOPE Coordinator (jdavenport@pgahq.com) for more information.