‘Perfect day’: Local veteran playing 72 holes of golf for PTSD awareness and PGA Hope

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Local veteran Shawn Donald spent Sunday on the golf course, but this time, every swing carried a purpose.

He challenged himself to play 72 holes in a single day, to raise money for PGA Hope.

“Something that I feel is a worthy cause to help the veterans of Nebraska get the help they need,” Donald said.

PGA Hope introduces veterans and active duty military members to the game of golf through a 6-week program led by a PGA of America Golf Professional.

The goal of the program is to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.

“It’s a chance for them, when they get on the golf course, to leave everything else behind and just be with the course,” Donald said. “For me, it helps relieve the stress of everyday life. I want to say it does the same for other veterans.”

Donald first graduated from PGA Hope in 2019, before going on to graduate from their ambassador program in 2021.

He said the golf course became a place of healing for him, so now, he’s using that experience to help others.

June is National PTSD Awareness month, so every hole played on Sunday helps shine a light on PTSD in veterans.

“Some of us have anxiety issues or post traumatic issues, and everyday for them or myself is a long day, depending on what’s going on,” he said. “That’s the significance of the whole 72-holes in one day.”

Fellow graduates and members of PGA Hope joined Donald on the course.

With Sunday being Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year, it further adds to their mission.

“I’ve got 15 hours to play 72 holes. That’s my goal,” Donald said. “It correlates with veterans and how they deal with their day-to-day issues with the 72 holes and Summer Solstice. It was a perfect day to try to get this done.”

While the challenge is very demanding, Donald said keeping the focus on fellow veterans gives him the motivation to keep going.