On a sunny Saturday morning the practice area at Legacy Ridge Golf Course is buzzing with activity, and the crisp Westminster air echoes with the thwack of golf balls being struck.

A class of 10 participants varies greatly in both age and skill level  ̶  from 20s to 70s and from beginner to avid golfer  ̶  but they all are united by their experience serving our country.

PGA HOPE is an instructional golf program for veterans and active duty military designed to support social, emotional, and physical well-being. The no-cost program welcomes those of all ages, branches of service, and golf abilities to develop their game and enjoy time amongst new friends in their community.

Westminster’s inaugural PGA HOPE program was hosted by Legacy Ridge Golf Course this summer, where participants received six weeks of instruction from PGA HOPE Certified Instructor Visanu Tongwarin, also known as “Coach V”.

“Golf is a good game to bond, do something with your buddies,” Coach V said. “This program helps our veterans develop their game and get more comfortable being out there on the course so they can enjoy playing the game of golf.”

Throughout the six-week program, participants worked on a variety of skills including putting, approach shots, course management, and golf etiquette. The program concluded with a nine-hole round and graduation ceremony for the participants.

Jay Millar, who served in the U.S. Army as a specialist in West Germany, said he made new friends and gained confidence with each session he attended.

“I’ll never be a pro, but I golf for connection,” he said. “We gained some confidence out here, and that makes the game a lot more fun. With a lot of veteran's programs, the purpose is connection. I even met a guy that lives on my street who I didn’t know before.”

Les Scott, a 20-year Navy veteran, came into the program as a beginner golfer wanting to learn enough to keep up with friends on the course.

“I thought it was an awesome program,” he said. “I’ve played with friends over the years, and sometimes they’re embarrassed to have me play with them. But coming out here one of my biggest goals was to improve enough to get comfortable. My eyes have been wide opened compared to how I played before. It will be nice to go out and actually keep score this time.”

With the success of Westminster’s first PGA HOPE class, Coach V and City staff are looking forward to expanding the program and offering more golf opportunities for veterans in our community.

“One veteran came up to me and said he thought people forgot about veterans until he saw what we were doing here at Legacy Ridge with PGA HOPE,” Coach V said. “With this program, I want people to know we did not forget about you guys, you are not alone out there, and we want to enjoy this game with you and your fellow servicemembers.”

To learn more about golf instruction, courses, and tee times in Westminster, visit www.westminsterco.gov/GolfWestminster.