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About Us

“EMPOWERING WOUNDED VETERANS, ONE FAIRWAY AT A TIME.”

THE STORY OF SMGA

Jim Estes, a former PGA Tour Player, and childhood friend Jamie Winslow co-founded the Salute Military Golf Association in late 2006. They both saw first-hand the positive force the game of golf could play in the recovery process for our nation’s wounded veterans. SMGA began with the purpose of creating a therapeutic outlet for post-9/11 veterans undergoing prolonged medical treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.

Jim’s and SMGA’s efforts have been recognized by numerous media outlets. Jim was awarded the prestigious (2010) PGA Patriot Award for his contributions to the recovery of wounded veterans. The following article from ESPN.com tell how several trips from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Olney Golf Park, where Jim Estes is a PGA Teaching Professional, eventually evolved into a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation aimed at supporting post-9/11 wounded veterans.

“That game’s for sissies.” Story of the SMGA & Sean Lewis

Our Impact on Veterans

The Salute Military Golf Association aims to meld a love of country and love of golf in an effort to support the mental and physical rehabilitation programs of post-9/11 wounded and injured veterans. SMGA golf professionals understand the unique needs of veterans and have witnessed the powerful benefits the game of golf can provide in improving the quality of life of wounded service men and women.

Physical & Mental Rehabilitation

Golf embodies strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and mental discipline, all central qualities of a successful rehabilitation program. The lasting friendships SMGA golfers forge among themselves have helped many returns to active duty or successfully reintegrate into civilian life.

Military Families Served Too

The SMGA recognizes that when our nation’s men and women serve our country, their families do too. These long deployments are often stressful for those family members left to support the family and home. Because of this, the SMGA promotes a family-inclusive golf instruction environment and encourages clinic participation from our veterans’ families. All families and caregivers can participate in our clinics at no cost.

Contact Us

Argyle Country Club 14600 Argyle Club Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20906
info@salutemilitarygolf.org
+1 (301) 500-7449

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About us

SMGA began with the purpose of creating a therapeutic outlet for post-9/11 veterans undergoing prolonged medical treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.
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