Surprise for veterans at annual golf tournament: Jack Nicklaus

Across the country, veterans gather annually for a golf tournament hosted by the PGA of America.

This year, 19 ambassadors from local PGA HOPE programs were invited to the Congressional Country Club to spread the word about the benefits of the program and recruit other veterans. A very special guest was present at the tournament.

"Jack Nicklaus, a retired golfer, stated that he did not have the chance to serve with the military when he was younger due to getting married and having a family at a young age. He said, "Bye bye," to his family. However, he has watched friends who served in the military protect their way of life and give them freedoms. Nicklaus expressed his gratitude through this statement."

Nicklaus walked onto the green and surprised the veterans as he watched over a putting tournament and even attempted a few shots himself.

Nicklaus stated, "One of them made it, while I putted it three times and didn't come close."

During the weekend's reception, he sat for a fireside chat and gave the golfers some tips.

Nicklaus stated, "I've enjoyed the experience. I've encountered numerous wonderful individuals, which is something I wish to continue."

Many veterans who served their country faced challenges and subsequently came to the PGA HOPE program.

""Being out of the military can be overwhelming, as I've personally experienced the challenging and unenjoyable aspects of being in a difficult situation without a strong support system," former Army Sgt. Nick Palazzolo stated."

Palazzolo was an airborne paratrooper and jump master who deployed twice to Afghanistan while in the Army. He received the bronze star for his service. He claims that many veterans encounter difficulties when transitioning out of the military.

Palazzolo stated that since 2018, he has lost a friend every year to suicide, some not in the traditional sense but rather through drugs, alcohol, or making poor choices in life, which has been challenging for many people to cope with.

He discovered PGA HOPE through a different organization he belonged to. As an ambassador, he aims to extend an invitation to other veterans with a comparable background.

"When I got out of the military at a younger age and didn't retire, it felt like an astronaut disconnecting from a spaceship. The army was over there, and I was over here, never to be contacted again," Palazzolo stated. "I had the ability to go get guys when they first got out and tell them about something they could do once a week that they could always count on."

Former Army Pfc. Scott McAllister had a similar story.

"McAllister stated that it is not war that causes many veterans to die, but rather the peace. He explained that when veterans return, it is challenging to rejoin society because it often fails to comprehend their experiences."

After the 9/11 terror attacks, McAllister enlisted in the Army and, following basic training, he volunteered to deploy to Iraq.

"Being around people I trusted and loved and cared for made the deployments less enjoyable, but it's not the hardship you endure. It's who you endure it with," McAllister stated.

He became a social worker to help veterans reintegrate and found the PGA HOPE program, which helped him expand his outreach and focus on himself.

Golf allows me to be alone and spend time between my ears, or to have a buddy to golf with.

Nicklaus agrees that golf has been great rehabilitation for veterans and civilians alike.

Nicklaus stated, "I've observed various men and witnessed how golf impacts them, not only physically but also mentally."

At a time when she felt most isolated, Amber Bogle, a former U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt., discovered PGA HOPE.

Bogle stated that he formed bonds with strangers who are now his siblings, which helped him return to the path his life was meant to follow.

Watching others go through the experience of deployment overseas has made her want to help veterans facing hardships.

Bogle admitted that he feels guilty for never being sent overseas, which he believes is the reason for his high involvement in the program.

Bogle experienced a low point after being honorably discharged from the military. Her marriage had ended, and her daughter, Annabelle, was being bullied at school.

"At 13 years old, Bogle stated that there are some truly cruel individuals in the world. While she was attending school, she was subjected to harsh comments from her classmates. They told her that she was the cause of her parents' divorce and that if she died, the entire school would cheer at her funeral. Additionally, they advised her to take her own life."

Her daughter's worst phone call was received by Bogle as the bullying continued.

Bogle said that she had just started taking pills.

Annabelle received the assistance she required. Bogle felt irritated with individuals she believed to be her friends.

Bogle stated that he was extremely furious with his community, believing it to be his friends and community at the time, and he cut off almost everyone.

Until she received an email about PGA HOPE, she felt increasingly lonely.

"I thought I was going to be a softball player for life, but I told myself, 'I'm gonna do that. I'm gonna try it out.'"

She had a fantastic experience and hopes to share the game of golf and its advantages beyond the veteran community. She is now striving to become a PGA professional.

""I have a very positive, upbeat personality because I choose to be that way. My mission is to find people like me, and I believe it's important to check on friends who seem happy as well as sad," Bogle said."

Annabelle is now a sophomore in high school and serves on the volleyball team as well as being a student ambassador.

Over the years, Bogle and other veterans have contributed to the growth of the PGA HOPE program. In 2019, approximately 2,500 veterans participated. This year, more than 17,000 individuals have taken part in the program nationwide. Nicklaus aims to keep motivating veterans to take up golf as a hobby.

"Nicklaus said, "I walked out on the green and they looked over and exclaimed, 'Wow, look at this! This is now the best day of my life!' If I could instill that same sense of joy and satisfaction into someone else, it would make me feel amazing and make them feel great too.""