Creating Smiles in Fort Myers
March 18, 2026
Fort Myers, FL - For the first time since 2020, the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program has returned to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. This relaunch marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s recovery of patient enrichment programs and continues a long-standing partnership that has seen over $500,000 raised through the SFPGA’s West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash in the last two years alone.
Smiling Fore Life was first introduced to the Golisano Children’s Hospital back in 2012, and the impact was profound for both the PGA Professionals and the children. The program introduces golf to young patients and their family facing serious illnesses, offering meaningful experiences that promote joy, confidence, and personal growth.
“The most meaningful part was seeing patients who had never been exposed to golf come in, connect with the professionals, and smile after hitting a ball into the bullseye, even if it was just one or two kids,” said Stacie Kmetz, a Certified Child Life Specialist at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
The professionals regularly spent time with patients until 2020, when COVID-19 prevented them from visiting, ultimately halting the program at Golisano Children’s Hospital until last Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Head Golf Professional Daniel Lee, PGA, and Assistant Golf Professional Schuyler Lorette, PGA, both of Miromar Lakes Golf Club, dedicated their time to Golisano Children’s Hospital through the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program. Using the game of golf, they created moments of joy for patients by helping them smile, engage, and briefly take their minds off their circumstances.
Lee and Lorette set up SNAG (Starting New at Golf) equipment in the hospital lobby, cultivating a fun and accessible golf experience. Using plastic clubs with oversized faces, soft felt balls, and velcro targets, they turned the space into an interactive play area. While only one child was able to participate last week, he made the most of the opportunity, sharing plenty of smiles with Lee and Lorette.
This program not only impacts the lives of the children in the hospital, but it also leaves a lasting impression on the PGA Professionals who lead it.
“If even one kid has a good time, smiles, and enjoys hitting golf balls while being introduced to the game, that’s what it’s all about,” Lee said, “It’s a lot of fun for me and truly an honor to be part of this program.”
For Lee, the experience is personal. As a child, a close friend of Lee spent time in and out of the hospital with a heart defect, yet he never lost the drive to play sports such as soccer, baseball, and golf. That resilience continues to inspire Lee to give back by providing young patients with the same opportunity to smile and escape reality if only for a moment in time.
“If I can help some of these kids do that, I think I would be honoring David's memory,” Lee shared.
Smiling Fore Life is more than just a golf program. It’s a reminder that even in challenging moments, there is still room for joy. With continued support and dedication, the program will continue to create meaningful experiences for children and families across South Florida.
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