Jim Estes PGA SMGA Founder
In Memory of Staff Sgt. Michael Downing
Bobby Orr & SMGA Friends Mike Downing (L)
Click on this link for a video about SMGA beginnings
Jim Estes PGA Tour Player and Jamie Winslow founded the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) in 2007 after seeing how golf could aid the recovery of wounded veterans. Originally created to support Post-9/11 veterans receiving long-term treatment at Walter Reed and Bethesda, SMGA expanded with its New England Chapter in 2013. The nonprofit brings golf to injured Post-9/11 veterans across the region as a form of physical and mental rehabilitation, serving those wounded, injured, or affected by conditions such as PTSD and TBI.
Click on this link for a video about SMGA New England’s Beginnings
Our Mission
“A Game with the Power to Heal Wounded Veterans.”
We believe in the healing power of golf and sharing it with our Post-9/11 combat-injured and wounded Veterans. Learning and playing golf in a supportive, military-connected environment promotes recovery, transition, and community.
SMGA New England (2026 Brochure)
Please share with Veterans, golf partners, and potential donors.
A Plan for Success
SMGA provides opportunities for participation, recreation, and camaraderie—using golf to build lasting friendships that extend well beyond rehabilitation.
Our program uniquely integrates golf into the mental and physical recovery of Post-9/11 injured Veterans, offering a setting where all skill levels can connect, learn, and heal.
Program Impact
- 650 Post-9/11 Combat-Wounded Veterans received formal instruction and custom-fitted TaylorMade clubs
- 4,500+ total golf experiences delivered
- Monthly golf events at partner courses (May–Nov) Averaging 24-35 golf outings annually.
SMGA New England
A volunteer-run nonprofit operating under the SMGA National Chapter’s 501(c)(3) Federal ID: 65-1296873501(C)(3) & W-9 Information
