The Country Club of Roswell hosted a fundraiser on June 30th, 2011 for the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA), an organization that was founded to introduce golf as a rehabilitation tool to combat-wounded veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes.
Sixty-eight members and guests of Country Club of Roswell participated in the tournament, and raised more than $6,000 to fund programs designed to help improve the mental and physical condition of the wounded soldiers returning from combat. The event attracted local politicians including John Albers, Georgia State Senator, District 56; Jere Wood, Roswell City Mayor; Becky Wynn, Roswell City Council; and William Cobb, VFW Post 7583 Post Commander. The Marine Color Guard from HQ & Services Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group presented the flags during the opening ceremony.
The event featured Tim Lang, a combat-wounded veteran and one of the first graduates of the SMGA program. Lang, wounded in battle at 21, was introduced to golf by the SMGA after enduring 48 surgeries. “Golf saved my life,” Lang said. He credits golf with giving him the motivation to overcome the obstacles that will be presented to him for the rest of his life.
Rosie Jones is a multiple winner on the LPGA and 2011 USA Solheim Cup Captain. Jones, inspired by Lang’s story, announced that she has invited Lang to join her team when they visit Ireland in September to take on the European Solheim Cup Team. Lang will serve as a team helper and will address the team on the eve of their match against the Europeans.
Jackie Cannizzo and Lisa Chirichetti, PGA Professionals and staff members of Country Club of Roswell, spearheaded the event after meeting Lang at the PGA Trade Show in January. They were inspired by his courage, determination and passion for the game of golf. Cannizzo and Chirichetti will be working with the SMGA and the Atlanta-area Veterans Administration Hospital to design a program to promote golf as a rehabilitation tool to our local combat-wounded veterans.