PGA Hope

2026 Programs

Please note, programs are aimed at newcomers at this time. If  you are a PGA HOPE graduate please visit the graduate tab below. Please only sign up for one program.

All programs for 2025 have been complete, please check back in the spring for more information on programs in 2026.

Want to stay involved with PGA HOPE after graduation?

Stay connected on Facebook through the Ilinois PGA HOPE Graduates Facebook page.

Peer mentorship coming soon!

Jim Nelson

James “Jim” Nelson is entering his fourth season serving as a PGA HOPE Ambassador for the Illinois Section, and was inducted in just the second class of Ambassadors in 2021. A graduate from the Pine Meadow Golf Club program in 2020, Jim was instrumental in the organization, and leadership of the sessions through his involvement in the Healthy minds, Healthy Bodies program based in Mundelein. Since then, Jim has been able to impact hundreds of Military Veterans through PGA HOPE programming throughout the state. 

Jim’s journey in golf started as a local caddie, and a spectator at Illinois golf events, and blossomed after his retirement in 2009. Throughout his time in the Military, Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1965 where he was trained in field communications. After training, he served in Germany where he was a part of the Pershing Missile Organization, 4th Battalion. After being promoted three times in just 13 months he completed his Military service as a Field Communications Sr. Switchboard Operator. Upon returning home, Jim spent 40 years in the telecommunications industry. 

Fast forward to 2025, Jim spends his time working as a member of the grounds crew at Steeple Chase Golf Club (where he first started taking lessons), playing as much golf as possible, and sharing his passions with fellow Veterans. According to Jim, “Golf isn’t only about doing well or improving your score. It’s a therapy. When you get out on the golf course, you’re not thinking about PTSD or the problems you’ve got. It’s really fun when someone else is excited.”

Mike Jaborek

Mike Jaborek is entering his third season serving as a PGA HOPE Ambassador for the Illinois Section, and was inducted into the 2022 Ambassador class. Mike is a graduate from the Great Lakes Naval Program where he drove an hour and fifteen minutes each way to attend sessions each week. Originally, Mike got involved from a flyer he saw in the VA basement while attending Physical Therapy. 

Mike served as a Sergeant in the US Army who spent over five and half years as a 19D Cavalry Scout. Initially stationed at Ft. Knox, KY in a training unit 1-16 Cavalry Regiment, Mike re-enlisted to join the 3 Brigade 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, GA because the unit was deploying to Iraq. Mike would deploy to Iraq from January 2005 until December 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) III. The unit Mike was assigned to 2/69 AR BN would spend the first six months of the deployment in the Diyala Province before moving to Ramadi, Iraq. In the summer of 2005, the unit would be put under the command of the 1st & 2nd Marine Division. On December 5, 2005, while on a mounted patrol as the gunner in a M2A2 Bradley on their way to the Ramadi Iraqi Government Center. Mike was seriously wounded during that mission when their vehicle was struck by an anti-tank mine IED. The Bradley immediately ignited in flames. Mike and his platoon sergeant Larry Campbell would both be on fire. To put out the flames they dove into a puddle of sewage on the street. In the explosion Mike broke his right leg and ankle. After recovering in Texas, Mike rejoined the Scout Platoon and redeployed as part of the “Surge” to retake Baghdad during OIF V in March 2007. Four months into the deployment he left the Scout Platoon and worked in the Battalion Tactical Operation Center for the remainder of the deployment until returning stateside in May 2008. After over five and half years in the Army, two deployments to Iraq and attaining the rank of Sergeant, Jaborek was honorably discharged. During his service Mike received the Purple Heart, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal star, GWOT Expeditionary Medal and Combat Action Badge among additional awards.

Mike’s passion for PGA HOPE stems from using golf as a form of therapy to combat both mental and physical ailments. He loves that the program gives people the opportunity to bond over shared experiences and also challenge each other to get better not just in golf, but in life as well. According to Mike,  “I might be going through things that another veteran has overcome or vice versa so it gives you the ability to be the peer support that many of us need.”

• Cantigny- https://cantigny.org/support-us/honor-club-for-veterans/
• Randall Oaks- https://www.dtpd.org/rogc-home
• Odyssey Golf Foundation Tinley Park- https://odysseygolffoundation.org/
• Harborside International – https://www.harborsidegolf.com/

Training

Training is universal for PGA Members and associates. There are trainings happening in every Section. The 2025 Spring training in the Illinois Section has concluded, but you can check out the national calendar linked here and reach out to that Section if you plan on attending at a different training. Please note, to instruct a PGA HOPE Program, you must be HOPE Certified. 

What goes into running a PGA HOPE Program? 

Check out this booklet from PGA REACH that explains everything you need to know about leading a PGA HOPE Program! 

PGA HOPE Guidelines for PGA Members

All events have concluded for the 2025 season. Please check back in the spring for information regarding 2026 events. 

The Illinois PGA Foundation is grateful to the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation and the McWethy Family (owners of Mistwood Golf Course) for their significant contributions to PGA HOPE programming in Illinois.  Their grants make it possible for Illinois PGA Professionals to get PGA HOPE certified at no cost to them, allow us to upgrade the Veterans’ experience during our sessions, and help fund special events like Veterans Play Day and the Pro-Veteran.