PGA REACHing New Heights

By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer

LINCOLN – Anthony Mucci, dripping with sweat, stood near the putting green at Kirkbrae Country Club, discussing his plans for a possible golf simulator in his garage.

Mucci, along with 12 other locals, participated in a PGA REACH clinic for military veterans Tuesday and the thought of hitting golf balls inside during the winter months brought a smile to his face. Just then, another veteran wanted to say goodbye after the two met for the first time Tuesday at Kirkbrae.

“I hope you keep coming,” Mucci told him. “I hope you enjoyed it. If you give it time, it will give you pleasure. The only (clinics) I’ve missed because it was rained out."

PGA Reach is the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The organization’s mission statement is to introduce golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Michael Packard, director of the PGA REACH New England Foundation, watched as Mucci interacted with others.

“It makes us want to do more,” Packard said. “It makes me want to fundraise more so we can do more programs and get more people involved.”

This was the first year VA Hospitals communicated with its veterans about PGA HOPE (acronym for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and the response was incredible.

“We were flooded with responses – nationally,” explained Packard. “In a 24-hour period we had nearly 8,000 inquiries come in from across the country.”

Every program filled up quickly and now there’s a significant wait list for 220 veterans in New England, waiting to learn and play golf.

Mucci, 41, has lived in Rhode Island his entire life except for the 11 months and 19 days he served in the Marine Corps. He graduated from Lincoln High School in June 2001 and enlisted on Aug. 21 of that year. The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States occurred while Mucci was in boot camp and then he was assigned to 29 Palms, which is the largest Marine Corps training facility located in Southern California. Eventually he was medically discharged.

He describes the last 20 years as extremely difficult and has spent most of that time inside due to social anxiety.

“All these people here (other veterans) did a hell of a lot more than me,” he said. “Unfortunately, I was (in the Marines) less than a year. But this sport has been such a lifesaver for me as far as getting outside, feeling the sun, and interacting with (other veterans). If I had to do it with the general public, I wouldn’t. These people know me, and I know them, even if I’ve never met them. It’s camaraderie. I know they’re all disabled like me in some form or another and that makes it easier. I find peace – almost – by being here and it gives me joy."

Mucci explained he needed Tuesday’s clinic more than ever, especially after his father, Albert, recently passed away on Aug. 21. He was 71. He also served in the Marine Corps and passed away 22 years to the day his son enlisted.

“Right before my father died, he saw me start to play and he loved it,” Anthony explained. “This has been a nice break and has allowed me to focus on things other than the hard stuff. (Golf) is easy compared to those types of emotions. Well, golf isn’t easy. I’ve gained more respect for people the more I see them play because I know how hard it is to hit that certain spot on the ball to make it go.”

Until recently, Mucci never held a golf club until PGA Reach supplied him with a new set of clubs. He’s been practicing and loves the game so much now that he wants to put a simulator in his garage. Even though he’s only been playing a short time, he believes he’s improving.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I missed a couple today, but I don’t feel like a complete fool on the course at this point. I will ask, ‘What club do you think I should use?’ but I feel like I’ve learned the basic mechanics of it. It’s enjoyable to step back from everything even if it’s for only two hours. I wish I could do more events.”

Kirkbrae Country Club and Agawam Hunt Country Club are hosting the 103rd New England PGA Championship this week, so it was a perfect time to invite our veterans to spend time learning the game with local pros. The group spent an hour on the driving range, then another hour participating in a putting contest.