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PGA of America Hosts PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week – Honoring Veterans at Congressional Country Club, Including 4th PGA HOPE Ambassador from the Colorado Section, Zechariah Owens

October 22, 2024

Zec Recently Returned Home from the PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness October 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland

Larkspur, CO — October 14, 2025 – The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is proud to
announce the selection of Army Veteran Zec Owens as the fourth PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Colorado Section Ambassador since 2019. This appointment underscores the foundation's commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans through golf and community support.

The PGA of America REACH Foundation—the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America hosted 19 Veterans and two Veteran squad leaders at PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, presented by ConocoPhillips and T-Mobile, October 10-14 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Included in that exclusive group was Zec Owens, who is a 2023 Graduate of the PGA HOPE Buffalo Wyoming Chapter, led by PGA of America Golf Profesional Dan Ashley, at Buffalo Golf Club.

The participating Veterans, all graduates of their local PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs, participated in an immersive five-day event that included advanced golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network - covering topics including social media, public speaking, stress management, and mental health.

A special highlight of the week, PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee and record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, made a surprise visit, joining the Veterans for a putting contest on Sunday and a fireside chat with the award-winning reporter and PGA of America REACH Foundation Trustee, Bret Baier. Nicklaus, who was joined by his wife Barbara—the 2019 winner of the PGA of America’s Distinguished Service Award—is a renowned global ambassador, course designer, businessman, and philanthropist, who continues to use his success as a platform to help others.

Pictured: 2024 PGA HOPE Colorado Ambassador, Zec Owens

Zec Owens, a dedicated advocate for veterans' wellness, joins the ranks of previous local PGA HOPE Colorado ambassadors Jay Millar (2023), Chris Cordova (2022), and Joseph Robinson (2019) who have helped bridge the gap between military service and civilian life through the therapeutic benefits of golf. His unique experiences and passion for helping fellow veterans make him a perfect fit for this role.

When asked what the PGA HOPE Program in Wyoming did for him, Zec stated “HOPE got me back into a community of like-minded people that I have been lacking since I left the Army. Being the 2024 PGA HOPE Ambassador means the world to me. This opportunity to help other veterans silence their demons, through the game of golf is an honor that I won’t take lightly. Life can get pretty lonely for my brothers and sisters who served, but the Buffalo GC PGA HOPE Program has brought back that needed sense of community for us.”

Zec found his true calling and served as an Army Specialist from 2013-2016. After leaving the Army, Owens sought a fulfilling pursuit and found it at the Veterans Home of Wyoming in Buffalo. There he became deeply involved in activities supporting veterans, focusing on suicide prevention and aiding those with mental health and memory challenges.

Pictured L-R: Jack Nicklaus, Zec Owens, Barbara Nicklaus

PGA HOPE Colorado programming has made a significant impact since its inception, providing veterans with opportunities to learn and enjoy the game of golf at no cost, which serves as both a therapeutic outlet and a means of building lasting friendships. Through its programs, PGA HOPE Colorado has successfully reached over 700 veterans in calendar year 2024, helping them transition to civilian life, develop new skills, and create supportive networks within their communities. This is a growth of over 71% in veterans served compared to 2022 when the Foundation made it a strategic priority to reach more veterans.

"We are thrilled to welcome Zec as our fourth PGA HOPE Colorado Section Ambassador," said Steven Bartkowski, CEO and Executive Director of PGA REACH Colorado Foundation. "His commitment to serving his fellow veterans aligns perfectly with our mission to empower those who have served our country. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our programs in Wyoming."

PGA HOPE is not just about golf; it’s about healing, connecting, and providing a pathway to community reintegration for veterans. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of veterans by offering a supportive environment where they can engage in the game, learn new skills, and find purpose through sport.

For more information about PGA REACH Colorado foundation and how to support the programming, visit https://reach.coloradopga.com/.

For a list and map of all PGA HOPE Ambassadors, visit https://sites.google.com/pgahq.com/pga-hope-ambassador-hub/ambassadors.

About PGA REACH Colorado Foundation

The PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is a 501c3 public charity in Colorado that works daily to support our over 900 Colorado PGA of America Golf Professionals to make a difference in our local communities. Programming ensures that regardless of your age or background, cost will try not to inhibit one’s involvement and enjoyment of the game of golf. The mission of the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf.

Media Contact

Steven Bartkowski
CEO/Executive Director
sbartkowski@pgahq.com

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PGA HOPE Colorado Set to Compete in the 2025 Secretary’s Cup

By Steven Bartowski • March 20, 2025

PGA HOPE Colorado (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) has achieved a momentous milestone—securing a coveted spot in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. This prestigious national tournament, held in conjunction with the PGA Championship, celebrates the transformative power of golf in the lives of U.S. military veterans and active duty through PGA HOPE. The Colorado team’s selection is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and the strength of the Colorado Section’s PGA HOPE program. PGA HOPE is a flagship initiative of the PGA of America and the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, designed to introduce golf to veterans and active-duty military personnel as a way to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. The program provides free adaptive golf instruction to veterans, creating an environment that fosters inclusion, camaraderie, and rehabilitation. For many participants, it’s not just about learning the game—it’s about finding a supportive community and building confidence to overcome personal challenges. Meet the PGA HOPE Colorado Team The Colorado team consists of five veterans from various branches of the United States military, all of whom earned their place by winning the 2024 PGA HOPE Colorado Cup. Representing the Section at this national event will be: Jordan LeBlanc, PGA (Army Veteran) – Serving as the team leader, Jordan LeBlanc has played a vital role in the PGA HOPE program since 2018. As a PGA Professional, and National PGA HOPE Trainer, he has trained and certified over 300 PGA Professionals across 15 different sections in the past three years. His leadership and commitment to veteran golf instruction have made a lasting impact. Jeremiah James (Army Veteran) – Despite severe shoulder, back, and neck injuries sustained during service, Jeremiah remains passionate about golf. His ability to adapt and compete serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how perseverance can overcome physical challenges. Erich Posdzich (Marine Corps Veteran) – For Erich, golf provides a sense of belonging and community, helping to replace the camaraderie often missed after military service. His dedication to the game reflects his passion for staying connected and engaged. Joshua Lee (Navy Veteran) – Golf has been an essential tool for Joshua in improving his mental well-being. After completing a mental health program, he turned to the sport as a therapeutic outlet. The Secretary’s Cup presents an opportunity for him to affirm his progress and play alongside supportive teammates. Paul Garcia (Air Force Veteran) – Transitioning from military to civilian life was a challenge for Paul, but he found purpose and structure in golf. His methodical approach to the game has helped him regain focus and stability, proving that golf is more than just a sport—it’s a lifeline.