Myrtle Beach’s PGA HOPE chapter—Helping Our Patriots Everywhere—has been transforming veterans’ lives for several years. Headed by Gary Schaal, Executive Director of Project Golf and past President of both the Carolinas PGA and PGA of America, this program has grown rapidly and made a profound impact
golfrange.org
+5
projectgolf.org
+5
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+5
projectgolf.org
+4
golfrange.org
+4
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
.
🏌️ Program Overview & Leadership
Under Gary Schaal’s leadership, PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach launched in Fall 2020 at Project Golf’s Barefoot Resort HQ, becoming the 13th chapter in the Carolinas
golfrange.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
.
The program is free for veterans, thanks to PGA REACH Carolinas and Project Golf collaboration
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+5
projectgolf.org
+5
projectgolf.org
+5
.
Sessions are run by PGA HOPE-certified instructors, volunteer professionals, and graduate ambassadors (veterans who have completed the program)
projectgolf.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
golfrange.org
+4
.
Angel Diaz, a Navy veteran and PGA pro, now heads the golf instruction coordination
projectgolf.org
+4
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+4
.
💡 Impact: Stories That Resonate
PGA HOPE couples golf instruction with camaraderie and emotional support:
One veteran shared that golf “replaced” his PTSD, saying the enjoyment of a seven-iron shot to the green helped displace nightmares
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
.
Another participant described golf as his new “dopamine”, replacing medications and lifting his spirits
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+1
projectgolf.org
+1
.
Overall, the program saw immense interest—157 veterans enrolled in its first year, topping HOPE chapters nationwide for engagement .
This isn’t just therapy; it’s lifesaving community and purpose, according to both instructors and participants .
🎯 Program Highlights & Growth
Courses run in six-week sessions, with winter and further seasonal programs at Barefoot Resort and rotating locations
golfrange.org
.
Emphasis is on fundamentals—swing, chipping, putting, rules, and etiquette—woven into group camaraderie
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+4
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
golfrange.org
+4
.
Participants ultimately graduate and can return as PGA HOPE ambassadors, mentoring new veterans
golfrange.org
+4
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
.
The program enjoys strong backing from Dustin Johnson Foundation, Coastal Carolina University, and local sponsors .
🌍 A Community-Led Movement
Weekly sessions at Project Golf’s facility feature instructor-led stations and adaptive equipment to ensure inclusivity
projectgolf.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
.
The support extends beyond instruction—peer camaraderie, shared military values, and post-session cookouts unite the group .
The chapter is recognized within the national PGA HOPE network for outstanding registration and graduation rates .
💙 Why It Matters
Veterans with PTSD, TBI, or physical limitations gain a positive outlet, structured routines, and renewed purpose
golfrange.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
.
The program addresses critical mental health needs – combatting isolation and providing hope .
PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach is leading nationally in impact, thanks to strong leadership, volunteer support, and community integration
golfrange.org
+4
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
projectgolf.org
+4
.
📅 What’s Next
New sessions open seasonally—typically 6–8 weeks before each start (email angel.diaz@projectgolf.org for updates)
playgolfmyrtlebeach.com
+4
onthegreenmagazine.com
+4
golfrange.org
+4
.
Graduates receive a special card granting access to benefits, tournaments, and veteran events .
Support opportunities include volunteering, donations, or sponsoring adaptive gear through Project Golf and partnering foundations.
In Summary
PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach represents the powerful convergence of golf, service, and healing. Under Gary Schaal’s direction, this dynamic chapter is leading a national movement—offering veterans not just the joy of golf, but a renewed sense of community and hope.
Golfers, veterans, and community supporters—this is a chapter you can be proud to highlight, engage with, and champion.
