C0-Founder of the Salute Military Golf Association
Applying the positive force of golf for our nation's wounded veterans
“empowering wounded vets one fairway at a time”
Salute Military Golf Association
EMPOWERING WOUNDED VETERANS, ONE FAIRWAY AT A TIME.
Wounded Warriors
The SMGA’s mission is to provide rehabilitative golf programs, experiences, and family inclusive golf opportunities for post 9/11 wounded war veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes. Eligible veterans and service members include those wounded or injured in post 9/11 military operations, including those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Jim has helped many physically challenged wounded warriors to achieve single digit golf handicaps. He has provided golf instruction to soldiers with spinal cord injuries, amputations and traumatic brain injury to become proficient golfers.
Note......
All Veterans must receive confirmation from Program Director John Reviere John@salutemilitarygolf.org before booking online or contacting Jim Estes Golf.
How SMGA Started....
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 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 2004 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.
