Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (March 27, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section and its 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia, are proud to announce an expanded partnership with the Wilson Smith Golf League (WSGL) to specifically serve U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel who participate in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program. Building upon their established alliance, the organizations will now integrate WSGL’s sober golf community and programming as a vital resource for graduates and participants of PGA HOPE Philadelphia.

PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, introducing golf to veterans and active duty service members to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. By bridging PGA HOPE with the Wilson Smith Golf League, the partnership creates a specialized pathway for veterans in recovery from Alcohol and/or Substance Use Disorder (AUD/SUD), offering a safe, alcohol-free environment to help them continue their journey through the game.

“Our mission with PGA HOPE Philadelphia has always been to provide a supportive community for our nation’s heroes,” said Philadelphia PGA Assistant Executive Director and Foundation Director Courtney Curcio. “By officially aligning with the Wilson Smith Golf League, we are ensuring that veterans who are focused on their sobriety have a structured, competitive, and sober outlet to enjoy the game of golf long after their initial PGA HOPE instruction concludes.”

The Wilson Smith Golf League, founded in the Philadelphia suburbs in 2001, has grown into a national network of sober golf leagues. The league emphasizes fellowship and the principles of recovery, providing a community that mirrors the camaraderie many veterans find in the military.

“Wilson Smith Golf League offers any recovering alcoholic or drug addict, and their families, a safe community to enjoy the game of golf” said Peter H., founder of the league. “Alcohol is often integrated into the game of golf making it difficult for new or existing sober golfers to participate in the game.  Our network of sober golf leagues creates another avenue for sober people to participate in the game, and we are excited to now integrate PGA HOPE into our community.”

As part of this expanded initiative, PGA REACH Philadelphia will offer WSGL opportunities directly to its PGA HOPE graduates across eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, and northeastern Maryland. Additionally, PGA of America Golf Professionals within the Section will serve as key conduits, identifying veterans who could benefit from a sober league environment and connecting them with WSGL chapters.

The expansion of this partnership underscores a shared commitment to the “Military” pillar of PGA REACH Philadelphia, focusing on the long-term health and wellness of those who have served.

For more information on the Wilson Smith Golf League, visit wilsonsmithgolf.org. To learn more about PGA HOPE Philadelphia, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com/military.

About the Wilson-Smith Golf League
The Wilson-Smith Golf League promotes alcohol and addiction recovery through community and fellowship by coordinating services, communication, education, and information into a network of sober golf leagues.   The goal of The Wilson-Smith Golf League is to create other WSGL chapters across the country to assist persons afflicted with Alcohol/Substance Use Disorder and their families. Visit wilsonsmithgolf.org to learn more.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com. To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com