EDITORIAL – USGTF IS MUCH MORE THAN TEACHING GOLF

The USGTF has always been a proud supporter of the history of our great game by sponsoring the U.S. Professional Hickory Golf Championship in Temple Terrace, Florida. But their sponsorship does much more than just celebrate the history of our game. Money raised from the sponsor and players goes to support a local charity group. On Thursday April 19, 2017, Mike Stevens, USGTF Southeast Region director, attended the monthly dinner meeting of Operation Helping Hand Tampa to present the donation from the annual hickory tournament at the James Haley VA Hospital. The organization provides financial assistance to the families while their loved ones are rehabilitating. It was quite moving as 15 wounded soldiers were being honored. You may be amazed to find out that 15 to 20 soldiers are still arriving each month with serious injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Geoff Bryant and the USGTF, Stevens was able to present them with a check for $1,500 to help the families of those soldiers in a time of need. It is moments like this that should make us all proud to be a member of this great organization.

By Mike Stevens, USGTF Member and contributing writer.