The UVS (United Voluntary Service) - Swing Club was started by PWGA founder Helen Lengfeld in 1947 as a golf program for the rehabilitation of VA patients.  PWGA continues to be the sole support of this program today, through playday donations as well as member club contributions.    The Swing Club at the Palo Alto VA Hospital is the only program remaining, thanks to a group of very dedicated volunteers and our very own Emily Anderson.

 

The patients had a tournament at Moffet Field Golf Course on August 22, 2007.

Patients and staff all stated what a great time they had and how successful they thought this event was.  They were asking, when we can do it again.

 

 

Emily and a  VA staff member went out early and set up tee markers on 9 holes anywhere from 80 to 140 yards.  The course was much too long for most of the players.  The front 9 being more that 3,000 yards from the forward tees, however, some of the players were eager and able to play the regular length holes. 

 

Thanks to the extra money received from PWGA,  carts were used to speed  play.  A box lunch was provided for the players, additional funds for that were donated by the UVS President Mary Lee.  The Pro Shop at Moffett Field also donated funds.  

 

In addition to the 9 Hole tournament - there was also a putting contest for the non-golfers.  25 putters participated.  The course closed off the the practice putting green and set up 8 holes for the contest.

  

 

Highlight for Emily was:  "Several of us went out with blind vets.  I played with a vet that had a guide dog, but he played before being blinded.  What I did was give him a line with a club in front of his feet to tee off and on the green he asked me to line up his putter by telling him how much to open or close his putter.  He did very well.  We made a good pair. "