With a mission to share a sense of belonging with those who served in the United States Armed Forces, Dan Hon, a local Marine veteran, participates as a PGA Helping Our Patriots Everywhere, or HOPE, ambassador for the Sun Country Golf Foundation. He wants others to know they have a strong support system at New Mexico State University through free military and veteran programming.  

“We help veterans who don’t have a happy home life and try to make their days brighter so they will reach for their tomorrows,” Hon said. “I don’t know exactly how to put the feelings into words, but being around other veterans feels right, and brings everything into plumb and level.”

The NMSU Golf Course will host a PGA HOPE program starting in May to serve those that have given so much to our communities and country.  

The nationwide program is a flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The NMSU Golf Course was awarded a grant through the Sun Country Golf Foundation to deliver and execute the PGA HOPE programming in Las Cruces.  

“To date, we have had four PGA HOPE sessions and we have had the opportunity to serve about 100 veterans and active military service men and women,” said Jason White, director of the NMSU Golf Course and PGA member. “It gives the opportunity to introduce and teach golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.”  

The NMSU Golf Course will offer two six-week sessions. Session one will meet every Thursday, from May 11 to June 15. Session two will meet every Saturday, from Sept. 2 to Oct. 7. Necessary equipment will be provided by the NMSU Golf Course, and both sessions will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The last day on both sessions will run from 3 to 5:30 p.m.  

The program will include putting, chipping, pitching, iron play, driver, fairway woods, golf course experience and graduation.  

“The best way for people to get involved is to help spread the word. You do not have to be a golfer to come out and participate,” White shared. “PGA HOPE is more than just golf. It is about bringing our veteran and military community together.”  

Hon added that PGA HOPE is in the planning stages of bringing a HOPE Cup to the Sun Country, which would bring veterans from all four programs in the region, Albuquerque, El Paso, Farmington and Las Cruces, together in hopes to take a team to the Secretary’s Cup in 2024.  

“This will bring veterans together nationwide,” Hon said. “I have learned that PGA HOPE is more than golf. It’s a cushion for the rough days, a blanket for when we feel cold and alone, PGA HOPE is there when we need it for any reason.”  

To register, visit www.PGA.com and click on “Things To Do”, then “PGA HOPE.” If “PGA HOPE NMSU” does not appear on the list, type in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in the “search city” bar.