Courtesy of On Course Foundation
On Course Foundation started its annual fundraising campaign during the Military Appreciation Month of May. The foundation helps wounded, injured and sick veterans use golf as a vehicle for physical and mental recovery, and harvest newfound confidence into golf careers.
Corporate and individual contributions are earmarked to expand On Course Foundation’s impact across America. The organization currently conducts free educational programs in 15 regional markets for service men and women seeking to develop golf business and playing skills.
Apollo Global Management, Barclays, Charles Schwab, CSX, Callaway, Clubessential and Summit Golf Brands are among the On Course Foundation sponsors.
“Golf is a powerful tool during the rehab process and for a lifetime,” On Course Foundation founder and chairman John Simpson said. “There are countless psychological and physical difficulties in assimilating back into society, and golf eases transformations into productive family, professional, social, financial and athletic lives.”
Thousands of On Course Foundation members have benefitted from the organization’s golf education and career services. Members are placed in full-and part-time jobs with Invited, Marriott Golf, TaylorMade Golf, Topgolf Callaway Brands and TPC Network as well as at golf courses, country clubs and resorts.
Many On Course Foundation members never picked up a golf club before introduction to the organization. They often achieve single-digit handicaps and qualify for the annual Simpson Cup matching the United Kingdom and United States teams in Ryder Cup-style matches. The 2023 edition is Aug. 28-31 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club.
In 1999, Congress designed May as Military Appreciation Month, a time to pause to remember the sacrifice and service of past and present members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Space Force and National Guard. May also marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day. There are more than 4.5 million wounded, injured and sick service members in the U.S.