Franklin, TENN –

Jeff Whitaker’s story starts in the rolling hills of East Tennessee, where he grew up on a tobacco farm in a hardworking, blue-collar family. His early years were shaped by long days, tough jobs, and a few college courses, but at 25, he decided to take a leap—enlisting in the Air Force as a Communications-Computer Systems Operator. Over the years, he found himself stationed across the country, from Texas to Virginia, Florida to Tennessee. But the role he found most fulfilling wasn’t about computers—it was about people. As a First Sergeant, Whitaker took care of his fellow Airmen, working alongside squadron commanders to strengthen their teams and sharpen mission performance. After dedicating decades to service, he stepped away from work in 2021, taking a much-needed sabbatical to reset and rediscover life beyond duty.

 

One of those rediscoveries was golf. Whitaker had always loved the game—watching it with his dad as a kid—but playing it was another story. He tried his hand at it in his teens but found only frustration. It wasn’t until his Air Force days that he gave it another shot, playing alongside friends who could shape shots with ease, sending their irons within 15 feet of their target. That precision fascinated him, and he wanted to do the same. Slowly but surely, he found his rhythm. Now, he calls his shots and delivers them with growing consistency—thanks in part to PGA HOPE.

 

Whitaker is a proud graduate of the PGA HOPE Legacy Program, led by PGA HOPE Certified instructor Kevin Holler. He first heard about the program through a VA newsletter and thought it sounded like a fun way to pick up a few tips while connecting with fellow Veterans. “It really wasn’t much more than that,” he admits. “Just sounded like a good time in a great environment.” What Jeff found went far beyond golf. The program brought together Veterans from all walks of life, many of whom had never even held a club. What stood out to Whitaker most was the PGA Professionals’ ability to meet each golfer at their level, offering guidance that was both technical and deeply personal.

 

He understands that golf can be intimidating, especially for beginners. Even as someone who had played before, he found stepping onto the course with strangers a challenge. PGA HOPE changed that. The program gave him the confidence to play in new situations, and with one simple tip from an instructor, he gained 10 more yards on his longer clubs. Now, he can reach Par 5 greens in three strokes—something he never thought possible before.

 

Jeff Whitaker’s golf journey didn’t stop at improving his own game. After graduating from the Legacy Program, he found himself asking a bigger question: What’s next? He knew he wanted to rejoin the workforce, but this time, it had to be about more than just a paycheck. That’s when an opportunity arose at The Little Course, where he now works in the Golf Shop, embracing the fun, family-friendly atmosphere of Golf House.

 

Beyond his new role, Whitaker has set his sights on something bigger—becoming a PGA Professional. He recently joined the PGA Affiliate Program, allowing him to complete the qualifying level and Level 1 of the PGA Professional Golf Management Program. His motivation is simple: to share the joy of golf and help others develop the skills to play well.

For Whitaker, golf isn’t just a game—it’s a journey of growth, connection, and purpose. It’s about more than just hitting a perfect shot; it’s about the lessons learned along the way, the friendships formed on the course, and the personal victories that come with every round. Even on the toughest days, golf gives him something in return—a moment of clarity, a challenge to overcome, or simply the peace of being out on the green. Now, as he works toward his PGA Membership, he’s not just playing the game—he’s passing it on, ensuring that others can experience the same joy, resilience, and fulfillment that golf has given him.

Kelsey Ludwigsen, Communications Manager