Veteran Golf Stories, Events, and Lessons

Explore the Journey

Real stories from the course, from service to swing. Discover how Warrior Golf Academy is changing lives ; one mission, one lesson, one fairway at a time.

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At Warrior Golf Academy, we’ve always believed that golf is more than a game. It’s a way back. Back to connection. Back to confidence. Back to the parts of ourselves we thought we lost.

That’s why I’m so proud to share something incredibly meaningful to me. We’ve officially partnered with Strokes ‘N’ Drivers in Fort Lauderdale to create something truly special for veterans and first responders.

This isn’t just another location. This is a home. A place where those who have served can swing a club, share a laugh, and be surrounded by people who truly understand.

A Space Built on Purpose

Golf saved me when I needed it most. It gave me structure, calm, and community when I felt disconnected from everything else. Now, together with the team at Strokes ‘N’ Drivers, we’re making sure that space exists for others too.

Here’s what this partnership brings to life:

  • Indoor golf clinics with PGA professionals

  • Swing sessions and mentoring in a safe, supportive environment

  • Wellness-focused programming for mental clarity and emotional healing

  • A space to compete, grow, and most importantly, belong

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At Warrior Golf Academy (WGA), we believe that one swing at a time can change a life.

In this short film, you’ll see more than just a veteran learning to play golf, you’ll witness a powerful moment of transformation. The clip captures what WGA is all about: finding healing, purpose, and community through the game of golf.

Watch the video

We started WGA because too many veterans return home struggling to find peace and direction. “22 a day” is more than a number, it’s a crisis. Our nonprofit exists to combat that crisis with a mission rooted in service, mentorship, and resilience. Golf became the medium because it demands focus, patience, and presence ; qualities that often fade after trauma but can be rebuilt through the game.

What makes WGA unique is our full-circle approach:

  • Therapeutic Golf Instruction that prioritizes mindfulness, camaraderie, and purpose.

  • Veteran and First Responder Certifications that lead to real career opportunities in golf operations, caddying, and turf management.

  • Community Connection through events, clinics, and outreach across South Florida and beyond.

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Golf teaches more than technique; it teaches trust, patience, and purpose. For veterans returning from service, those lessons can be life-changing.

In Season 11, Episode 58 of Next on the Tee, I had the opportunity to speak with host Chris Mascaro about my journey and why I founded Warrior Golf Academy (WGA). As an Army veteran, I know firsthand how hard transition can be. That’s why WGA was built, not just as a place to learn golf, but as a place to find healing, direction, and a new path forward.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

  • How Warrior Golf Academy uses golf as a form of therapy for veterans and first responders

  • Our Caddie Training Program and how it's opening job pathways in the golf industry

  • Why restoring clubs teaches discipline, attention to detail, and pride

  • The power of community for combatting isolation, PTSD, and the loss of identity after service

Chris also speaks with Mike Malizia, a Top 100 Golf Magazine Instructor based at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, FL. Mike shares invaluable swing tips and insight into what makes Admiral’s Cove one of the most sought-after private clubs in the country.

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This Christmas, meet the hero you didn’t know you needed, Mojo, a loyal service dog with a heart full of courage and a mission that will melt yours.

“Mojo’s Christmas Mission” is more than a story. It’s a reminder that love never gives up, and healing often begins with a paw on your lap.

🎄 The Story:

Pop is lost, not just physically, but emotionally. The weight of grief, trauma, and loneliness has taken its toll. But Mojo feels it. He sees what others miss. And when Christmas arrives, Mojo makes a choice, to leave the comfort of routine and begin a journey filled with snow-covered roads, kind strangers, and unwavering determination.

His mission?

To find Pop, bring him home, and remind him that he is never truly alone.

🐾 Why It Matters:

So many of our veterans and first responders face the holidays in silence, weighed down by invisible wounds. Mojo represents every service dog that provides comfort, stability, and connection when words fail. His mission mirrors our own, to never leave anyone behind.

💬 A Message from the Heart:

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Hi friends! I’m Mojo. I’m a proud, fluffy 10-pound Pomeranian and service dog in training. I may be small, but I have a big job and an even bigger heart. I travel with my Pop, Jonathan, the founder of Warrior Golf Academy, where we help veterans, first responders, and adaptive athletes find healing through golf.

This was my first official mission, and it was full of lessons, tail wags, and a few nervous moments too.

🧳 The Hustle Before the Journey

The minute Pop pulled out the suitcases, I knew something big was happening. He paced, mumbled, and packed (mostly snacks). I barked reminders like “Don’t forget my blanket!” and nudged him when he seemed overwhelmed.

Sometimes, even strong humans need a paw to keep them grounded.

✈️ The Airport: Loud, Busy, and Brave

Oh boy, airports are loud. So many people, bags, and beeps. I stayed close, helped Pop breathe, and reminded him we’re a team. That’s what service dogs do: we help our people stay present when the world gets too loud.

⛳ The Golf Course: Connection, Calm, and Community

Once my paws hit the grass at the 100fore22 event, everything changed. The course was peaceful. Pop smiled. We met veterans and first responders who understood each other without needing to say a word.

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Hi there, friends! My name is Mojo, a proud and fluffy 10-pound Pomeranian with a big heart and an even bigger job—I’m a service dog in training. I get to travel with my Pop, Jonathan, who is not just my best friend but also the founder of Warrior Golf Academy. Together, we’re on a mission to support veterans, first responders, and the adaptive golf community, one fairway at a time.

Warrior Golf Academy isn’t just about golf. It’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and making life more accessible for those who face unique challenges. Whether we’re hosting events, training future caddies, or just sharing a smile on the course, we’re all about turning obstacles into stepping stones.

As Pop’s service animal, my job is to help him stay calm, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day brings. I love being part of this adventure, and through these stories, I hope to share our experiences, life lessons, and a little wag of joy with you.

Thanks for joining us! Let’s dive into our latest adventure.

Contact Mojo

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