Marine veteran and PGA HOPE coordinator Chris Nowak got a close-up look at professional golf at the PGA Championship tournament at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey.
When pro golfer Jim Herman's regular caddie was delayed, Herman asked Nowak to fill in during the practice round last Wednesday.
Nowak, who was a corporal when he lost his right leg below the knee in a training accident, coordinates the PGA's Helping Our Patriots Everywhere golf program that offers free lessons to veterans.
He met Herman on the 10th tee and caddied the back nine, when Herman's regular caddie showed up.
"He helped me out and kind of explained what to do as a caddie," said Nowak, who served as a rifleman in the Marine Corps from 1983 to 1989. "You don't think about it, but it's an actual job and an actual talent."
Nowak learned where to put Herman's golf bag, where to stand while he was swinging and how to hold the bag so Herman could retrieve the proper club.
"Jim talked to me when I walked to his ball, and I asked what he was aiming at," Nowak said. "They let me putt on two different holes."
Nowak said golf has been instrumental in his rehabilitation.
Photo Credit: Alex Stamoutsos/PGA
It was more than learning the details of the game, however. Nowak shared his military experiences with Herman, whose grandfather served in World War II.
"[Herman's] respect for military veterans allowed me this opportunity," Nowak said. "Not many people get that opportunity, especially for nine holes."
One thing that surprised Nowak was the golf bag's weight.
"I couldn't believe how heavy it was, but I didn't want to say anything — I didn't want to be that guy," he said and laughed. Herman is known for having one of the heaviest bags on tour. "I didn't feel so bad when I found that out," Nowak said.
Nowak has been working with PGA HOPE for about a year. He said it's a great way for veterans to integrate back into society.
The program uses donated money to provide eight-week lessons to veterans, culminating in playing nine holes.
"For anybody who has experienced trauma, it allows you to focus on something other than that trauma," he said. "You can't think about anything else — that's what's so great about it."
Nowak said those who work at PGA HOPE call that focus a "moment in time."
"When they're above the golf ball and about to swing and hit the ball," he said. "Let's say a veteran goes out and shoots 100 — that's 100 times that he had a moment in time."
Playing a round of golf also becomes a social and networking event, where veterans can overcome the fear of dealing with crowds and being outside.
"We're giving veterans that skill set to experience those moments in time," he said.
Charlsy Panzino covers veterans education, employment and transition issues, as well as travel, entertainment and fitness. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
