BETHESDA, MD-United States Army Veteran Tamari Watkins, a resident of Monticello, participated in PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week at the acclaimed Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD from Oct 10-14. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a rehabilitative Golf program for military Veterans living with physical/cognitive challenges that is changing and saving the lives of 17,000+ Veterans annually. 

 A highlight of the week for Tamari and the 19 Veterans from across the USA was the opportunity to meet all-time great Jack Nicklaus, who was in DC to recognize the group of Veterans. Tamari was the only Veteran to sink a 50-foot putt with Jack by his side ( we do have video footage of the putt)!

Tamari “Tee” Watkins, Sr. enlisted in the US Army in March 1989, and completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, NJ. He then attended Advanced Individual Training (A.I.T.) and graduated as Motor Transport Operator, also known as 88M. Tamari started his military career in an Army National Guard unit in Georgia, the 148th Forward Support Battalion, acquiring the rank of Private First Class (PFC). 

In November 1990 his unit was ordered to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm / Desert Shield. He served his country with distinction and achieved the rank of E4, Specialist, before his Honorable discharge in 1992. In the fall of 2021, he learned about PGA HOPE, and attended classes at Spook Rock GC in the Met Section, and graduation at Woodside Club, on Long Island. Although he had never played golf before, he was on the winning team at the graduation tournament. 

After playing and practicing most of that winter, he joined Southern Dutchess CC in 2022, where he has helped spread the message of PGA HOPE to area Veterans, volunteered at numerous charity events, the PGA Hope Summer League, and has been one of the “Hope Alumni” that helps stage future Graduation Days. He is looking forward to helping PGA HOPE and the Met Section, and he will tell you, “PGA HOPE saved my life......”

The mission of the Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Golf Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.