Testimonial - Tom Woods

“My first experience with (USAGA) was a coach’s luncheon at Cog Hill. As the meeting was closing we were asked if there were any questions. I inquired ‘how do we refer to these students? Do we call them kids, participants, golfers?’ The answer was ‘as athletes’. I soon realized that word fit exactly.

My reward has been two fold. First, is seeing the huge smile on the athlete’s face when they hit a golf ball 70-80-90 yards straight as an arrow. Second, is looking back and seeing the smile on the face of a proud parent.

Being an Army veteran myself, I really enjoy working with the vets. I’ve done clinics at Odyssey and Oakbrook. The visually impaired from Hines Veterans Hospital gave me much pleasure.

Finally, I will always remember this moment with one of the vets. He told me that coming out once a week was so good for him. I replied that yes, hitting a golf ball once a week really helps. He answered, ‘I wasn’t talking about hitting a golf ball’. The look on his face said it all. I understood how healing it was for him to be with this organization and with the other vets each week. That look will stay in my memory forever!”

- Tom Woods, Veteran and USAGA Coach