David Rugg, a veteran who served with the U.S. Airforce, became aware of PGA HOPE through his volunteer work with the Philadelphia Section and attended his first session in the Fall of 2024. Not only was he impressed by the level of instruction given by PGA of America Golf Professionals, but even at the age of 70, he was learning something new. Rugg’s involvement with PGA HOPE grew as he became a Squad Leader at the Frog Hollow location in Middletown, Delaware. It was as he continued to attend the program and later participated on the PGA HOPE Tour that he saw the impact of PGA HOPE on the lives of fellow veterans with the number of smiles increasing every week.

“Golf is just the vehicle used to create these life-saving connections. I have listened to many veterans praise PGA HOPE for how it helped them find other veterans,” said Rugg.”

“To highlight what the connection looks like when it happens, I was at a veterans event earlier this year where I met a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran who is a Purple Heart recipient.  During the conversation, the subject of golf came up. His eyes lit up and he said, ‘I am a golfer too.’ That’s all it took. Common interest.” 

PGA HOPE is more than golf; it is about building a community of support for veterans so that when they are struggling, they have somewhere to turn to and receive the help they need. PGA HOPE accomplishes this through instructors that take the time to get to know the participants, Squad Leaders that check in continually each week and with people like David, who have gone through the program and are proud to share information about it. 

“No veteran should go through life alone. PGA HOPE is a way to ensure that an opportunity exists to achieve that goal.”

Veterans like Dave Rugg have given everything to be there for our country when we needed it most. Now through the end of the year, you can support our HOPE 4 Heroes campaign and help more Veterans and Active Duty Service Members find healing, community, and wellness — all through the game we love.

Every $330 raised helps bring PGA HOPE to one of our Heroes. Select “Philadelphia Section” to support veterans locally.

Donate Here

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.