Golf’s Mental Health Benefits: Leaders and Students Weigh In

As June’s Men’s Health Month and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Day are recognized globally, Keiser University College of Golf (KUCOG) leaders and students shared how they are thankful to introduce Veterans to the game, and the valuable role it can play in lifting spirits while improving overall mental health.

“Organizations like the Professional Golf Association’s Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (PGA HOPE) program, the Veterans Golf Association, and others are opening doors for transformation and healing as Veterans enjoy uniting on the greens,” said Golf Coaching Center Director Peter Crocitto III.

“Being a part of PGA HOPE comes with so many benefits for both former and active Veterans. The biggest thing is that golf brings everyone together and gives them a chance to forget about whatever else is going on in their lives, even if it’s just for a few hours. As they get into the routine, many start to really love the game, and that leads to new friendships and a genuine passion for something new,” reflected Crocitto, who regularly teams with university leaders and students to host events for the group. “We’ve heard from so many Veterans that the PGA HOPE Program has become their ‘peace.’ Honestly, this is my favorite program to teach because it truly feels like a community. My team and I have taught quite a few of these sessions, and it’s always incredible to see the transformation. On the first day, everyone is a little reserved and quiet. But by the last class, six weeks later, people are laughing together, and you can just see how much of a difference the program has made—whether it’s improving their skills, learning something new, or just giving them a break from everyday distractions,” he said.

Comprised of clinics, games, and lessons, the six to eight-week PGA HOPE program invites Veterans to join PGA Professionals on the course, with many of them being exposed to the game for the first time.

Dexter Porter, a KUCOG student and US Navy Petty Officer First Class Veteran, wholeheartedly agrees. Upon separating from the military in 2024, he returned to his hometown of Lake City, Michigan, and was soon introduced to the game by his brother, playing 3-4 times a week. After enjoying the game tremendously and realizing the dramatic effects it had on his mental health, he decided to relocate to West Palm Beach, Florida, to join Keiser University’s College of Golf to pursue a degree in the field. Once enrolled, he soon learned about the PGA HOPE program thanks to Professor and PGA and LPGA member Donna White, and said the opportunity to volunteer and support fellow Veterans has been invaluable.

“You get the sense of community and belonging as you experience the freedom of the golf course. One of the biggest things for me is that I thought I was alone, but what I love about PGA HOPE is that everyone gets to know each other and share experiences,” he said while adding that the organization provides many opportunities to compete as well.

Crocitto agrees.

“At Keiser, we’ve met so many terrific people through PGA HOPE. Hearing their stories and sharing them with others can be emotional, but honestly, it’s also really empowering. We always invite students from the KUCOG to come out and help with the program, and a lot of these students are Veterans themselves. There’s something special about Vets helping other Vets. One of the traditions we keep that was started by Professor White is that at the end of every class, everyone – Vets and coaches – share a single word about what that day meant to them. When you hear words like gratitude, fun, hope, and encouragement, it really drives home just how important PGA HOPE is,” smiled Crocitto.

About PGA HOPE

PGA HOPE introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, the program is inclusive of a developmental 6-8 week curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost to all participating Veterans. PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.

About Keiser University’s College of Golf

Keiser University is pleased to develop and educate learners from across the globe, including winning athletes and future golf industry professionals, by offering associate and bachelor of science degrees in Golf Management. Located at Keiser University’s Flagship campus, the university’s College of Golf offers a 1,500-square-foot indoor training facility, which includes a putting area, advanced launch monitor technology, V-1 and Swing Guru video analysis systems, an interactive golf simulator powered by Sports Coach Systems, a Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade (MAT-T), a 3-D swing analysis system, and a golf club repair lab equipped by Mitchell Golf Equipment. Keiser University’s PGA-credentialed faculty are available to College of Golf students for individual and group instruction, and those same faculty are available to assist the Seahawk intercollegiate squads in improving their golf skills. In addition to the indoor facility, students also have access to a 6-acre outdoor, on-campus golf range facility with 12 hitting stations, a 9,000-square-foot putting green, and a 14,000-square-foot chipping/pitching/bunker green.

Transform Your Future at Keiser University

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students like you to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, we’re committed to your success with:

Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
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A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

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