On Course Foundation begins second annual fundraising campaign

On Course Foundation begins its second annual fundraising campaign on July 4 to help prompt wounded, injured and sick veterans to use golf as a vehicle for physical and mental recoveries.

On Course Foundation teaches service men and women golf business skills, then places them in jobs in the golf industry. Free educational programs in 15 regional markets across America also include golf playing instruction.

The summer campaign targets raising $100,000 with corporate and individual contributions made at www.oncoursefoundationusa.org/donate.

Donations are used to launch On Course Foundation programs in new markets and expand the roster of golf companies employing veterans who harvest newfound confidence thanks to On Course Foundation.

Current On Course Foundation sponsors include Apollo Global Management, Barclays, Charles Schwab, CSX, Callaway, Clubessential and Summit Golf Brands. 

“There is perhaps no better time to show appreciation for the military than Independence Day,” said John Simpson, founder and chairman of On Course Foundation. “Salute those who protect our freedoms, salute the game of golf and vastly improve lives which otherwise would’ve spiraled downward.”

Thousands of On Course Foundation members benefit from the organization’s golf education and career services. Exhibiting profound changes of character, they are placed in full-and part-time jobs with Invited, Marriott Golf, TaylorMade Golf, Topgolf Callaway Brands and TPC Network, as well as at golf courses, country clubs and resorts coast to coast.

Typifying On Course Foundation’s success is Craig Richardson. While in the Air Force in Afghanistan, a landmine threw him 25 feet in the air, causing breaks to his right knee, amputation of his right leg, left knee injuries and a shattered humerus on his shoulder. Recalls of the incident were extremely taxing on the mind. Richardson learned about On Course Foundation, his first exposure to golf.  Smitten with the sport and business of golf, he became a clubfitter for Callaway, tournament scorer for VPAR and is now full-time at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey.

“Without On Course Foundation, I’d likely still experience countless psychological and physical difficulties in assimilating back into society,” Richardson said. “Golf is transformational, and I’m now living a productive family, professional, social, financial and athletic life.”

Many On Course Foundation members never picked up a golf club before introduction to the organization. Through sheer determination, they often achieve single-digit handicaps and qualify for the annual Simpson Cup pitting U.K. and U.S. team in Ryder Cup-style matches.  The 2023 edition will be played August 28-31 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club. 

Across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Special Force and National Guard, there are more than 4.5 million wounded, injured and sick service people in the U.S.