Swing into Well‑Being

PGA HOPE Las Vegas

Supervised Practice

Restores Connection Through Golf

Veterans returning to civilian life often face quiet challenges:

Isolation, disrupted routines, and the search for renewed purpose.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere 

Las Vegas responds with supervised practice sessions

that combine professional golf instruction and peer connection.

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What

Supervised Practice

Looks Like
 

Focus: connection and consistent practice sessions are

designed to build skills while fostering peer relationships.

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Session flow

A clear daily focus (putting, chipping, short game, or swing fundamentals)
 

Coach demonstration followed by structured drill sets
 

Individual feedback and practical tips from coaches

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Drills: repeatable, measurable, confidence‑building

exercises that emphasize steady improvement and short‑term goals.
 

Environment: low‑pressure, noncompetitive, respectful;

peers encourage one another and share experiences.
 

Social connection: informal time before and after class for conversation,

casual mentoring, and building rapport.
 

Practical notes: wear comfortable clothing and basic footwear;

bring clubs if available and arrive a few minutes early to connect with the team.

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The Team

Behind Practice

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The coached sessions are guided by experienced PGA professionals

who prioritize practical instruction and steady progress:
 

Tim Skophammer, PGA 

Head instructor directing session flow

and technique coaching.
 

Craig Stoudnor, PGA 

U.S. Army veteran who brings lived experience

and helps translate military strengths into civilian routines.
 

Dale Bradley, PGA 

Coaching support focused on

practical drills and reinforcement.
 

Will Roy Mangum Jr. 

U.S. Army veteran,

is part of the team and often present at supervised practice

to welcome veterans, share information,

and help connect attendees to local supports.
 

Painted Desert Golf Club

staff provide a supportive setting that makes sessions

comfortable and accessible.

Occasional volunteers assist with event presence

and logistics, but the core of the program

remains the coaching, the drills, and the relationships

that develop among participants.

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How Golf

Supports Mental

&

Emotional Wellness

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Golf provides several complementary benefits that

make it an effective avenue for veteran wellness:
 

Low‑Impact Physical Activity

Walking the course and practicing swings

provides gentle movement

that promotes physical

well‑being without high strain.
 

Focus & Flow

Concentrating on a discrete task,

lining up a putt or repeating a short‑game drill,

creates moments of calm and focused

attention that can quiet intrusive thoughts.
 

Routine & Attainable Goals

Regular practice establishes predictable structure

and short‑term objectives,

which help stabilize

daily life during transitions.
 

Time Outdoors

Fresh air, open green space,

and natural light are restorative

and help regulate mood.
 

Social Connection

(Antidotes to isolation)

Group practice encourages conversation,

shared humor, and mutual encouragement.
 

Veterans often report that learning tangible skills

while regularly interacting with peers

reduces loneliness and increases a sense of belonging.

For many attendees, the course becomes a dependable place

to meet peers, trade tips, and form friendships.

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How To Get

Involved

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Veterans interested in supervised practice

can join using a simple, direct approach:

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1. Connect with Will Roy Mangum Jr.
   or the coaches and show up to practice.
    

2. Attend an introductory session
   to observe how sessions run.
    

3. Let the coaching team
   know about any specific needs
   so they can suggest
   suitable drill variations and practical tips
   during practice.
    

4. Attend regularly to build routine and deepen connections.
   Benefits typically grow with repeated participation.
    

Come as you are: comfortable clothing, basic footwear,

and a willingness to try focused drills and meet others.

The most meaningful outcomes are often steady progress

and the friendships that develop over time.​

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