Page 186 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

story by Tommy Snell photos courtesy of Hoppy Smith
Golfers give back, pay it forward, and salute the service, something Hoppy Smith has been doing for over 28 years on
the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Professional Golfers of America (PGA) member since 1996, Smith has received several awards for his service to golfers, but none of those awards aroused emotions like his latest achievement, the Gulf States Patriot Award.
Smith had to text me to give me the good news because as he put it, “I would have called you to tell you, but I’m a little emotional right now.” The Gulf States PGA presents the Gulf States Patriot Award to a “PGA professional who demonstrates patriotism through golf.”
When the PGA announced the formation of PGA Reach, a program that impacts “the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations,” the U.S. Kids Master Instructor knew he wanted to be a part of it.
“We started the PGA Hope program here at Diamondhead with 14 veterans who were an absolute joy to teach,” said Smith. “When a veteran during introductions holds up a golf ball and says, ‘This golf ball saved my life,’ it’s an incredibly emotional moment,” added the Director of Instruction at Diamondhead Country Club.
The program lasts eight weeks, highlighted with a scramble the last two and a banquet after. Smith leads four sessions a year, and the impact this program has been on his life is nothing short of incredible. The PGA of America certainly did its homework before launching PGA Hope.
Smith went to Congressional Country Club in Washington DC to complete his training. “We had to hit balls out of a chair,”
he said. “They blindfolded us and walked us to the practice range. The PGA has gone above and beyond preparing golf professionals.”
Smith remembers one veteran who stayed in his car for two weeks before joining the class. After finally taking part for the last six weeks, that veteran now enjoys working in the golfing industry. “My awards for junior golf and teaching show me that I’m doing my job, but the Patriot Award means so much to me because it means I give back while doing my job,” explained Smith.
Mel Gibson might have portrayed a patriot in the movie, but Hoppy Smith plays the role every day.
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186 | September 2024 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living