On June 21 the Minnesota PGA, along with its charitable arm PGA REACH Minnesota, and Treasure Island Resort & Casino, will host the inaugural 100 Holes for HOPE at Mount Frontenac Golf Course in Frontenac, Minnesota.

The purpose behind 100 Holes for HOPE is to involve PGA Professionals with military Veterans and other golf enthusiasts for a marathon round of 100 holes on the longest day of the year. There will also be golf clinics for Veterans and their families and a celebration after the 100 holes have been completed. Proceeds from 100 Holes for HOPE will benefit PGA REACH Minnesota; specifically, the PGA HOPE program, (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and Disabled American Veterans, Minnesota Chapter.

Several Veterans will participate in the event in a relay fashion, and two are attempting to play all 100 holes.  Jeremy Wolfsteller and Martin Caraway both have unique stories and are thrilled to share what the game of golf has meant to them and their recovery process, while also raising funds for other Veterans in need.

Wolfsteller had a severe injury in 2005 and was told he may never walk again. Thanks to his motivation and drive to prove others wrong, he is not only walking, but playing golf regularly.

Wolfsteller was injured in combat while serving in Iraq in 2005. After a life-saving operation for his injuries, Wolfsteller started physical therapy at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.

“There was a nice golf course on base, and I asked my doctors if I was cleared to play. Once they gave me approval, it became my new therapy, both physically and mentally,” said Wolfsteller. “I may have lost the ability to engage in my prior physical interests, but I found a new one. My interest in this event is to bring awareness to other Veterans that might be struggling and show them that we can't quit, life is short and when you push yourself you'll be surprised on how much you can still do.”

Minnesota Veteran Martin Caraway will be Wolfsteller’s playing partner in 100 Holes for HOPE. Caraway enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1999 and served six years, including two deployments to Iraq. Since leaving the service, he has dedicated his professional life to serving Veterans, their families and caregivers. Similar to Wolfsteller, he is also an avid golfer who found therapy in the game. 

“Golf has been instrumental in my transition and recovery. The game requires discipline, integrity, focus, and patience. Most of those attributed, I thought I already carried, but focus and patience were two that I knew I needed help with,” Caraway emphasized. “The game of golf allows us to work on those traits at our own pace. To be outdoors with the odor of fresh cut grass surrounding you and sound of birds speaking is very tranquil. It allows you to pause and think of life through the lens of golf. We’ll make bogeys more often than birdies, but the mistakes make the success all the sweeter. I am doing this because I love the game of golf and what it has done for me. More importantly if I can ever do anything that will have a positive impact on a Veteran, I’m all in.”

The efforts from these two passionate Veterans and all other participants will provide ample opportunities for Veterans to participate in PGA HOPE programming.

PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Minnesota. PGA HOPE aims to provide a therapeutic rehabilitation introduction to golf and is readily available to all Veterans with physical, emotional and PTSD challenges who would benefit most from such a program. There are currently two PGA HOPE chapters in Minnesota.

For more information or to sponsor a golfer, visit 100holesforhope.com.