helped the recovery process of veterans
Florida area have
undergoing treatment at Walter Reed
graduated from SMGA
Army Medical Center in Maryland.
courses. As members,
Estes began teaching Walter Reed and
they have access to
Bethesda Naval Hospital inpatients at
benefits like custom
his teaching center at Olney Golf Park,
fit golf equipment
and noticed how their time with golf
and aids, equipment
improved their physical and mental
discounts, free greens
outlooks.
fees, hosted golf out-
Fast forward to today, the SMGA has
ings, reimbursement
chapter locations across the United
for tournament entry
States, plus the American Golfer
fees, and unique golf
Program, available to any eligible veteran
trips and experiences.
without a chapter in their area. SMGA
SMGA members Chris Bowers (USMC Ret.) and Nick Thom (USMC Ret.) at the SMGA Charity Golf Classic in Rockville, Md.
“I’ve met guys with
programs introduce veterans to the
no legs, missing arms, or 90 percent
game and teach them through an eight-
of their body is burned,” Kilmartin
week clinic series. After completion,
said. “They’re out there on the course
they are outfitted with a brand new set
laughing and joking. Sometimes they
of TaylorMade golf clubs and bag. Most
hit amazing shots, other times they hit
importantly, all SMGA programs are
crappy shots, and we all can laugh about
offered free of charge.
it, and you have that time together. I
Dozens of veterans in the Central
think that’s huge. This vehicle of golf has
allowed them to have purpose in their life and it’s helped their relationships.” As a non-profit organization, the SMGA depends on passionate volunteers and teachers, as well as donations from those who want to make an impact in the lives of our country’s heroes. Those interested in joining, working with, or donating to the program should visit SMGA.org.
Annual Scholarship Dance and Golf Scramble The Scholarship Dinner/Dance will be held on March 24, 2018 at the Medical Heath Center located at 1714 17th Street in Ocala, FL at 7:00. The cost is $35.00. The Golf Scramble - April 21, 2018 at Summer Glen Golf Course - Ocala 8:30 am shotgun start. The cost is $80 per player. Sponsorships are available and we would like to advertise your company/organization as a hole sponsor at the $100 and $200 level.
Contact Ann McKinney at 757-871-9039 to become a sponsor of a hole. Golf Central • Volume 18, Issue 8
FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA) of the Marion County Chapter directly support Florida A & M University under the umbrella of the NAA and we are a 501(c)3 organization. We support the university through scholarships, student recruitment, athletic team support, legislative and community support. 13