Montcalm Golf Club Hosts 7-Week Adaptive Curriculum
Golf is often referred to as “a good walk spoiled.” But for Navy Veteran John Bacon, his time spent at Montcalm Golf Club this summer was anything but sour, rather a rebirth.
Following six weeks of participation in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program, Bacon improved his golf swing and his balance under the watchful eyes of PGA professionals, then dismissed the use of his wheelchair on week seven to cap off a brilliant summer experience.
Logging more steps than ever and maneuvering the hills of the majestic Enfield, New Hampshire course, Bacon along with 19 other veterans from the Upper Valley graduated from the PGA HOPE program on July 31. The program’s final week saw the Vets bring their lessons learned from weeks prior to the Montcalm golf course, where they cheered each other on – with smooth swings and errant shots alike – before the Veterans were rewarded with mementos and certification that afforded them a range of golf related benefits in their local area.
Following years of therapeutic rehabilitation from an accident while serving in the Navy, Bacon’s spinal cord injury has not completely sidelined him from an active lifestyle, rather it’s inspired him, according to Jennifer Stark, a recreational therapist at the Veterans Affairs (VA) of White River Junction.
“John is one of the most active Veterans in our VA therapeutic program,” shared Stark. “Last week he pedaled eight miles on an adaptive bike during the New England Summer Sports Clinic hosted by the VA, and he often spends up to four days a week committed to building his strength. Sure, he’s had challenging days where he wanted to quit but he stayed with it and today was the most he has walked without assistance since a recent spinal operation, counting 40 plus steps to and from the tee box, solo.”
Walking the mountainous Montcalm can be physically challenging yet rewarding for anyone, but the velvet fairways, panoramic views and camaraderie shared among Veterans were the perfect setting for Bacon and other Veterans, making it a day to remember.
“I can’t put into words how beautiful this course is and how happy I am,” said Bacon, who served on the USS Saratoga (1965-69). “It feels so good and so right and the PGA HOPE program has been amazing and given me and so many others hope. I wouldn’t be here without the VA and Jen (Stark). She never gave up on me.”
The PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) seven-week developmental curriculum is led by PGA professionals who are certified in golf instruction, teaching Veterans with disabilities the rules of the game and for those already familiar with it, the professionals help the Veterans refine their golf skills. The Veterans are enrolled in the program through the White River Junction Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System
“When you make good contact and hear the thwack of the ball off the club, it’s very rewarding and my favorite part,” added Bacon, who spends time in the winter participating at Lake Sunapee’s adaptive ski program.
“Golf is not the first thing you think of when we talk about rehabilitation, but we have seen firsthand the important role it has played in the healing process of our Veterans,” added Stark. “PGA HOPE’s program has become quite popular and provided social interaction and is a true camaraderie builder plus the obvious, mental stimulation and exercise. It has been a great addition to the therapeutic care we provide our Veterans at the VA.”
Stark and the VA’s Recreation Therapy Office provide Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through adaptive sports and therapeutic art programs aimed to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being, and quality of life. The programs are built on clinical expertise within the VA, with essential support from Veteran Service Organizations, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and community partners.
The PGA HOPE program spans all 50 states with more than 530 locations (courses/clubs) participating and serving more than 17,000 veterans and service members. The PGA HOPE two-step program begins with an introductory, “Down Range Clinic” and culminates when Veterans take their lessons to the course for actual play. The PGA HOPE New England chapter has grown from four programs in 2020 to 21 programs in 2024.
Kim O’Neil started this golf program in 2016 in memory of his father, a disabled veteran of World War 2. He watched him suffer through the mental pain that comes with war. Since its start in 2016, the program has grown considerably with help from the VA Hospital at White River Junction.
“To see all the Veterans but especially John make these great strides on the final day of the program has made my year,” said O’Neil. “My biggest thrill is seeing the smiles on the faces of our Veterans and watching them enjoy the game of golf that I love,” said O’Neil, one of the instructors of PGA HOPE and Head Golf Professional at Hale’s Location Golf Course in North Conway, New Hampshire.
“There’s nothing better than to see how the PGA HOPE program can rescue and support our Veterans, many who might instead be sitting at the hospital or in a room,” said Steve Rogers, Director of Golf at Montcalm, who became a certified instructor in May. “These Veterans have now learned a new skill and sport for life and for many that’s life-changing and pretty special.”
For Lloyd Asbury, who suffers from PTSD and has been part of the VA’s Adaptive Sports program, he has gone from tinkering around to now taking the game seriously. “I was a mess before this PGA HOPE program changed my life. These veterans are my family, and the game of golf is the best thing that ever happened to me and lifted me up to do other things.”
Asbury, who lives at Lake Sunapee, has added to his recreational interests and in addition to golf, learned to ski and is now an instructor at age 63 as part of the NEHSA New England Healing Sports Association.
For Michael Cather of Thetford, VT who served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1989-1996 as an aviation machinist mate flight mechanic, PGA Hope gave him something to do in the summer.
“People often tell me golf is frustrating, but I happen to find it calming. I have my swing thoughts, I relax, and the camaraderie is amazing. There are many veterans who re-enter civilian life with problems and others who talk more than they swing,” Cather added. “You can see the therapeutic benefits of social interactions but it’s also direct exposure to being one with the natural environment. When you first participate in the program you don’t understand the benefits, but the more people participate, the more they talk about it and share their positive experiences.”
According to Steve Rogers, Director of Golf at Montcalm Golf Club, who has hosted the PGA HOPE event for the past three years, golf has been just the right medicine for the Veterans.
“Sometimes it’s tough to face the world and transition back so having an outlet is important,” said Rogers, who recently became certified as a PGA HOPE instructor. “Veterans often ask, how and where do I fit in again? Golf has provided a bridge that heals. It’s an escape but also a chance to connect with others and it’s a way to give back and say thank you.”
For more information visit PGA HOPE (pgareach.org). PGA HOPE is administered and directed by the New England PGA Foundation. To learn more or to help fund a program: Contact: Michael Packard, PGA mpackard@pgahq.com.
To check your eligibility for VA Health Care visit Eligibility For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs If you are currently enrolled in VA Health Care ask your Primary Care Clinician about the adaptive sports programming.