It started as a way for Jey Kim to get on the golf course. It’s now turned into something more fulfilling.
Kim is one of the military veterans taking advantage of the PGA HOPE program in North Texas. It aims to help vets enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being through the game of golf.
“We’ve known each other for about six months now, but it feels like we’ve shared a lifelong friendship,” Kim said. “Having that commonality of veterans being able to come together, it’s just been a great opportunity.”
And an opportunity to create a new brotherhood with other vets.
“Just that camaraderie, being able to share stories and being able to build that bond,” Kim said. “Not war stories, but just having that common background of even just going through basic training and the stories that we share.”
“They go from not really knowing each other, to becoming friends, to cracking jokes to literally 10 seconds after they get there, they’re on each other,” said Thomas Valdez, PGA of America associate and coach.
It is a light-hearted environment, even if the game of golf can be a source of frustration.
“I think it has a lot to do with being outside, the calming factor of it,” Valdez said. “Even if they’re not hitting great shots, they’re in a more peaceful environment. It’s way more calming than most of us think, because we think about playing bad.”
Valdez recently helped Kim and his teammates unexpectedly win a regional qualifier for the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup.
“We went to the event thinking it was a nine hole play day,” Valdez said. “We had our lunch. We’re sitting together and then they say it’s a qualifier. And we’re kind of like, qualifier for what?”
The team represented Northern Texas as one of just 12 teams from across the country in Kentucky at the 2024 Secretary’s Cup.
“Proud of the team and all the efforts and achievements that we’ve been able to accomplish so far,” Kim said.
A group of winners, on and off the course.
“If you have been in a program and you enjoy it, tell other veterans,” Valdez said about the PGA HOPE program. “Spread the word. The more veterans we get in this program, the more veterans we’re helping.”