Fayetteville, NC – The Carolinas PGA Section concluded its 2026 PGA HOPE Health & Wellness Retreat, hosted at Methodist University. This two-day, one-night immersive experience brought together veterans and PGA Professionals for a curriculum centered on golf instruction, mental health resilience, and physical well-being.

The retreat is modeled after the mission of National Golf & Wellness Week, aiming to provide veterans with the tools to enhance their golf game while fostering a supportive community. Participants stayed on campus at the Village Houses and utilized the university’s premier athletic and academic facilities.

Developing Skills on and off the Course The program kicked off on Tuesday, May 19th, with specialized stations at the Golf Practice Facility. In addition to technical instruction on the full swing and short game, the retreat partnered with Physical and Occupational Therapy teams to lead sessions on mobility and mental performance strategies.

The first day also featured a live demonstration of adaptive golf techniques. These sessions highlighted how the game can be modified to meet the unique needs of every veteran, ensuring that golf remains an inclusive sport for all.

Insights from National Ambassadors A highlight of the retreat was an Ambassador Panel featuring four Carolinas veterans who have transitioned from program graduates to National Ambassadors. The panel included:

  • Harold Hill (2021 National Ambassador): A Coast Guard veteran and lead peer mentor from PGA HOPE Charleston.
  • Colton Hensley (2022 National Ambassador): An Army veteran and Assistant Golf Professional whose journey led him into the golf industry.
  • Alex Venker (2024 National Ambassador): An Army veteran who utilizes his professional background in relationship-building to grow support for PGA HOPE Charlotte.
  • Chris Aranda (2025 National Ambassador): A retired Army Sergeant First Class and founder of the PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach League.

From Garvis Leak, U.S. Air Force, PGA HOPE Lexington: “It was truly a blessing to get with the comrades, to come out here and enjoy the game of golf. You talk about your past experience, you can unwind, have therapy, and you just have fun.” 

A Focus on Long-Term Wellness On Wednesday, May 20th, the event moved to Kings Grant Golf & Country Club for a 9-hole tournament. This competition allowed participants to apply their new skills in a fun, supportive environment alongside fellow graduates.

Beyond the greens, the retreat emphasized holistic health through:

  • Nutrition Seminars: Learning how proper fueling maintains focus and energy during a round of golf.
  • Recovery Workshops: Sessions on yoga, stretching, and injury prevention specifically tailored for golfers.
  • Leadership Pathways: Exploring how veterans can transition their military experience into professional careers within the golf industry or serve as local ambassadors.

This retreat offered veterans an opportunity to improve their golf game while focusing on overall well-being, camaraderie, and personal growth. By blending instruction with leadership development, the Carolinas PGA HOPE Health & Wellness Retreat has cultivated a strong network of ambassadors for local chapters and the Carolinas PGA Section. These veteran leaders return to their communities with the skills and confidence to mentor others, promote the PGA HOPE mission, and strengthen the lasting bond between the game of golf and military service. 

About PGA HOPE Carolinas PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Carolinas. It introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program is taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency, ensuring a high-quality experience for all who have served.