In April 2010, the South Florida PGA Foundation created Smiling Fore Life, a program encouraging SFPGA Professionals to visit local children’s hospitals weekly. These visits help bring golf into the lives of children who may be experiencing hardship, and it allows them an opportunity to forget about their challenges and enjoy a pleasurable new activity.

A recent success story comes from our original location, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. Joel, a 15 year old young man, had become a regular in the weekly program, always excited when it was golf time.  After the SFPGA Foundation installed a putting green at the hospital last fall, this young man received a putter as a gift and could often be found practicing his putting, even during non-golf times. 

Dave Cunliffe, PGA Teaching Professional at the Don Law Golf Academy, visits Joe DiMaggio weekly, and noticed that Joel had been absent for a few weeks. When he inquired about Joel, Dave learned that he had undergone a heart transplant and was not able to participate due to his recovery.  Dave understood that when he was able to, Joel would be back at golf, and wanted to do something that would cheer him up and help him to get excited and ready to play.  Dave decided to put together a set of clubs for the young man.

After a few weeks, while Joel still wasn’t healthy enough to participate in the class, he would go and watch his friends participate, just to be around the game he was learning to love.  While presenting Joel with his new set of clubs, Dave was able to speak with him about PGA Tour Professional Erik Compton, who has successfully undergone 2 heart transplants, and is now a successful Tour Professional.

On April 23, Joel met Dave at Plantation Preserve Golf Course for his first outdoor golf lesson.  Also on hand for the day, were a few signed gifts from Erik Compton, who wrote Joel an encouraging message about staying strong.

During his lesson, Joel built on the skills that he had learned at Smiling Fore Life, including aiming and distance control. He was also able to see how the real green differed from the hospital’s practice green in length, speed, and undulation.  Dave and Joel stayed on the practice putting green to work on putting and chipping skills. After a few reminders about posture, grip, and alignment, Joel went to work.  He was able to build on his consistency and saw improved ball control after only a short amount of time.  “Joel has a real talent for the game, and was able to adjust quickly to the new surroundings” stated Dave.  When asked what he thought about being at the course compared to his Smiling Fore Life lessons, Joel said “it’s a lot bigger!”

Even though the sun was strong, Joel kept a smile on his face for the entire lesson. He’s feeling healthy and loving the ability to have a golf club back in his hands.  Before he left for the day, Joel asked his dad when he could come back to the course for more practice. One day a week just isn’t enough!

Because of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program, Joel has found a new focus for his rehab, golf.  Through this program, he has also found a new role model in Erik Compton, who has been through similar health struggles and has enjoyed success as a professional athlete.

The Smiling Fore Life program has been able to impact juniors and their families, while giving them an enjoyable experience to look forward to every week.  For more information on the program, please visit our website here.  If you would like to be involved with or make a contribution to the Smiling Fore Life program, please contact Meredith Schechter at mschechter@pgahq.com.

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education, scholarships and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.

The South Florida PGA annually conducts various Play Golf America events at local community events, affording PGA Professionals with an opportunity meet new golfers and help grow the game.  Recently the South Florida PGA participated in The Allianz Championship, The Honda Classic, Women’s Golf Day, and Spring Training at Roger Dean Stadium. 

Often times we are asked if we are making an impact on those golfers that visit us? If the player is new, will they continue with the game?

This winter through a lesson given by PGA Professional, Judy Alvarez during The Honda Classic, we received an answer. A week after the event held in late February Judy received the following email:

My husband and I had occasion to meet with you at The Honda Classic. We decided to take the “10 minute” golf lesson offered and I just have to thank you for the 10 minutes of your time.

You identified a problem with my grip and in making that adjustment, my golf game has greatly improved, especially in my drives and fairway shots. Your 10 minutes of time has meant so much!

My next step is to fine tune my short game and bunker shots. Do you have a regular instruction schedule that sometime in the future, I would be able to sign up for a lesson?

Look forward to hearing from you and thanks again! So glad we decided to stop at the kiosk to meet with you.

A 10 minute lesson can make a difference for golfers who are looking for help with their golf game! PGA Professionals are experts in the game and help you improve yours. To find your local PGA Professional click here.

Not only was Judy able to help this woman, but she also gained a new customer! Since their initial meeting, the couple has visited Judy at her facility, where they worked together on bunker shots and full swing, followed by lunch and 18 holes.  After a progress report, the woman shared that she has had more success with bunkers after that lesson, and is extremely excited with the progress she has seen. 

A free 10 minute lesson turned into a paid lesson for Judy, as well as 2 lunches and 2 rounds of golf for the club. Based on the relationship that Judy has built with the couple, and the success they have already seen, it is a given that Judy will receive more lesson revenue in the future based on this relationship.

 Volunteering your time in the community with free lessons like these, helps you to meet new clientele and build a relationship with them that follows you back to your facility.  Look into your community and see if there are any festivals or events that you can offer free lessons at. Use a pop up net or almost golf balls in an open area to keep everything safe.  The events will love adding diversity of offerings and you’ll be able to build relationships with potential new clients!