Tom Morton Receives Award on Behalf of Haggin Oaks & Morton Golf Foundation
In May Tom Morton, of Haggin Oaks & Morton Golf Foundation, received the first-ever PGA HOPE Award. Not just the first HOPE award for Haggin Oaks, but the first ever HOPE award given to anyone!
What is PGA HOPE?
Before talking about the award it is essential to first go over PGA HOPE itself. PGA HOPE is part of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of PGA of America. PGA REACH aims to “positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.” PGA HOPE’s specific focus is positively impacting the military, as HOPE stands for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere.
PGA HOPE Program Coordinator, William Stockholm wrote, “PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.” PGA HOPE does this by introducing the game of golf to veterans and active duty military through a 6-8 week introduction course. PGA HOPE teaches golf fundamentals while providing a safe social community for Military personnel. In addition, all programs are entirely free for veterans because they are funded by PGA REACH.
How Morton Golf Foundation & Haggin Oaks Earned the PGA HOPE Award
In the fall of 2015, the Northern California PGA Foundation adopted, implemented, and made PGA HOPE its primary program. Beginning at one golf course with 3 veterans attending and completing the program, the Northern California PGA Section has grown to 14 program locations with over 1,300 PGA HOPE graduates. Morton Golf Foundation has been an avid supporter throughout the growth process of PGA HOPE in Northern California. Haggin Oaks Golf Complex holds many PGA HOPE programs and has helped many veterans graduate through the PGA HOPE program. Tom Morton has been a major part of PGA HOPE’s growth throughout the Sacramento area because he is the Director of Coaching & Development at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, President of the Morton Golf Foundation, and a PGA HOPE Teaching Professional.
The award presented to Tom was the first of its kind because it was hand-crafted by a PGA HOPE graduate. Jim Fiorentini went through the PGA HOPE program at Haggin Oaks and wanted to express his gratitude for the program. Jim and his wife Leilani are both avid supporters of PGA HOPE as well. They are both PGA HOPE Associate Club members, and event committee members for club-hosted events.
PGA HOPE and everyone who supports them expresses their gratitude for those who serve our country by welcoming them into the golf community. When a veteran like Jim Fiorentini goes out of his way to express his gratitude towards PGA HOPE, it shows that PGA HOPE has been successful in fulfilling their mission. PGA HOPE has successfully and will continue to; enhance veterans’ physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through the introduction of the game of golf.
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