Jerry Impellittiere, PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club, found more than just a career in golf; he found a calling.
Having grown up in the shadow of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where his father worked for nearly five decades, Impellittiere’s early experiences around those who served instilled deep-seated respect and a desire to give back to the military community.
“It is incredible the sacrifices these Veterans have put down for us and seeing their courage and fight despite what they have endured,” said Impellittiere.
Military continued to be a big part of Impellittiere’s life after he started his career as a PGA of America Professional.
“When I owned my driving range in New York, I employed several individuals from the nearby Stewart Air Force Base,” noted Impellittiere. “I would support Master Chief Bruce Lubkeman’s golf events and hold clinics for Officers and enlisted personnel.”
After operating his driving range for nearly 30 years, Impellittiere moved to south Florida.
“When I transferred from the Met [Metropolitan PGA Section] to South Florida, I was looking for some way to get involved to help Veterans,” recalled Impellittiere.
It was then that Judy Alvarez, PGA, a pioneering figure in the PGA HOPE program in south Florida, introduced him to PGA HOPE.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a free program that allows Veterans and Active Duty Military to learn the game of golf. Golf is proven to help Veterans assimilate back into their community and improve their overall well-being through the social interaction and camaraderie the game provides.
“I immediately got involved, completed the adaptive golf and military cultural competency training, and started teaching classes as a certified instructor,” said Impellittiere.
Impellittiere’s involvement with PGA HOPE is more than just a professional commitment; it is a heartfelt mission.
"I love helping the Vets," Impellittiere often says, reflecting on his passion for teaching golf and his admiration for those who have served. "I never had to serve, so this is a way that I can give back to those who did."
In 2022, Impellittiere received the South Florida PGA Patriot Award. The Section presents the Patriot Award to a PGA of America Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Through his work with PGA HOPE, Impellittiere has encountered over 160 Veterans, each with harrowing tales of sacrifice and resilience.
“One person who has always stood out to me is Mary [Anderson-Kokell],” said Impellittiere. “She isolated herself for a long time, and yet a single golf ball lured her from seclusion, eventually leading her to become an ambassador for the program. Now she is changing the lives of other Veterans.”
Amid the inspiring stories of recovery and camaraderie, Impellittiere has also been confronted with the grim reality of Veteran suicide.
“The one thing that rips my heart out is the fact that 22 Veterans a day commit suicide,” stated Impellittiere. “This little white golf ball we all obsess about is a miracle in many Vets’ lives.”
PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables direct referrals to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy.
Impellittiere’s journey with PGA HOPE and his dedication to serving Veterans showcases the profound impact that compassion, gratitude, and a little golf can have on the lives of those who have served.
“This whole program just humbles me, and that’s why I am so glad I am in a position where I can give back,” said Impellittiere.
The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 2,000 men and women PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.
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