Bill Wiegand named Gateway PGA HOPE Veteran of the Year & a National Ambassador for PGA HOPE

Photo by Michael Cohen/ Getty Images

Wiegand was selected by the PGA of America to be an ambassador of PGA HOPE during PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week at Congressional National Country Club in Washington, D.C.

Gateway PGA HOPE Program graduate, Bill Wiegand was 1 of 20 PGA HOPE veterans to be selected by the PGA of America to be an ambassador of PGA HOPE during ‘PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week’ at Congressional National Country Club in Washington, D.C. October 25-28. During his time in D.C., Wiegand and fellow veterans from other PGA HOPE programs took part in advanced wellness training led by the Cohen Veteran Network. They also had the privilege to receive golf instruction from renowned PGA teaching instructors, attend dinner with golf legend Lee Trevino and play golf with national leaders.

The Gateway PGA REACH Foundation formally announced Bill Wiegand as the 2019 Gateway PGA HOPE Veteran of the Year at the 10th Annual Ozzie & Friends Gala. He has been a participant and graduate of PGA HOPE Programs since 2012 in the Gateway Section. Since his involvement with PGA HOPE, he has actively volunteered at foundation events, been a leader among his peers and always carries a positive attitude. After several years of participating in PGA HOPE, he was hired as a starter at Whitmoor Country Club and has since been promoted to head of cart staff, supervising 40 employees.  

“When I was introduced to Mr. Wiegand at the VA Clinic in Jefferson Barracks in the winter of 2012, I knew right away that (Bill) was a compassionate and caring person who loved his country, his fellow Vets and the game of golf.  He had just taken up the game and attended all the clinics both at the VA and at the off-site course that the program was held,” Brian Maine, St. Louis PGA HOPE Lead Professional and Gateway PGA REACH Foundation board member. “As a beginner, he had a thirst for learning and was determined that his prosthetic was not going to handicap him.  He has improved every year and his desire to excel is an inspiration to his fellow Vets.”