Local veterans benefiting from playing golf
By Mike LaCrosse
Local wounded veterans are finding some relief for their injuries on the golf course.
“It’s just one of those things I never thought about until I met some of these guys,” said Veteran Mike Downing of Middleboro.
The Salute Military Golf Association helps post 9/11 veterans by offering a series of golf clinics, which are considered a form of therapy. SMGA recently expanded its services to Rhode Island.
The nonprofit has special equipment to help wounded veterans like Mike Downing play golf once again. Downing lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan.
“It’s huge, it’s been a lot of fun just get out and get back to some kind of sense of normalcy,” said Downing.
"The healing powers of this game are just absolutely incredible,” said Jerry Shanahan, SMGA.
The program allows veterans to link up and play at courses around New England.
“It’s been phenomenal. It’s great to go out and see people, meet new guys,” said Matthew DuBuc of Pawtucket.
"It helps me socialize a little better especially with veterans,” said Robert Brown of Cranston.
To find out more about SMGA you can checkout – http://smgaboston.org/
© WLNE-TV / ABC6
