West Palm Beach, Fl – Pam Elders, PGA Director of Instruction at Boca West Country Club, is the fifth recipient of the South Florida PGA Patriot Award.
The Patriot Award recognizes a PGA member who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to all who have served the United States. One of PGA of America’s national awards, the SFPGA began recognizing the Patriot Award on the section level in 2019.
“It is an honor to win the Patriot award, I’ve learned to never underestimate the power that the game of golf has,” Elders said. “I have watched over the last six years just how important having golf in a Veteran’s life can be.”
Elders plays a pivotal role in the South Florida PGA HOPE program, leading numerous programs since becoming a certified instructor six years ago. Her commitment to the game and her role in impacting the lives of our nation’s heroes has come full circle from where she started.
“My father served in the Navy before I was born and was later transferred to Homestead Air Force Base during the Bay of Pigs Operation. It was there that I learned to play because the base had its own golf course,” Elders said.
Because of the opportunity given to her as a child, Elders now views her commitment to PGA HOPE as a way to give back.
Over the last six years, Elders has administered HOPE programs at Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club and Osprey Point Golf Course, with a goal of bringing more females into the program.
This past year, Elders was a key figure in the Women’s PGA HOPE program at Broken Sound Club, the first program that featured all female participants and instructors.
In addition, Elders has attended three PGA HOPE training seminars and multiple classes, in an effort to be the best instructor she can be.
“Golf has given them the ability to make friends, to have a purpose and the opportunity to start something new,” Elders said. “For some, it has been life changing but for me this has been so fulfilling.”
The Patriot Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Elders and the other 2023 award winners will be honored at their individual facilities in front of members, family and friends. Click here for the full list of award winners.