Golf Therapy Fore Veterans helps military veterans build resilience, strengthen mental health, and find lasting connection through golf-based therapy, peer support, and outdoor experiences.
Our Mission
To serve military veterans by promoting healing and resilience through golf-based therapy, peer support, and outdoor experiences that strengthen mental health and build lasting community.
Why It Works
Golf provides a calm, structured environment that encourages focus, stress relief, and emotional wellness.
Veterans connect with others who understand their experiences, creating friendships and support systems that last beyond the course.
Time outside, movement, and shared purpose help promote resilience, confidence, and personal growth.
Programs
Guided golf experiences designed to encourage focus, confidence, and stress relief.
Opportunities for veterans to connect, talk, and build community with others who have served.
Golf outings, tournaments, and gatherings that bring veterans, supporters, and sponsors together.
Safe and welcoming outdoor activities that support healing, movement, and connection.
About Us
Golf Therapy Fore Veterans was created to give veterans a place to heal, connect, and feel supported. We believe golf can be more than a game. It can be a bridge to better mental health, stronger relationships, and renewed purpose.
Every donation, volunteer, and sponsor helps us provide meaningful experiences for veterans in our community.
Leadership
Our team at Golf Therapy Fore Veterans is made up of Veterans who have seen the therapeutic aspects of what the game of golf can do as a tool to help with the symptoms of PTSD.
Golf Therapy Fore Veterans is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit · EIN: 41-5291100
US Army 1988–1996
US Army Reserves 1996–2006
Harry Franco is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served 8 years on active duty and nearly 11 years in the Army Reserves. During his military career, he completed four combat tours, serving from Operation Desert Storm through Iraqi Freedom. His years of service shaped his resilience, discipline, and lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans.
US Army 1990–1993
US Army National Guard 1993–2001
I enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman in 1990 at the start of Desert Shield. After Basic and OSUT at Fort Benning, I volunteered for Bradley Infantryman training (11M) and Airborne School. A training injury led me to the 1/17th Infantry Brigade, 6th Infantry Division in Anchorage, Alaska.
US Army 1975–1978
He has been golfing since the 60's. I learned decades ago about the mental health benefits of being on a golf course. I've been involved in assisting veterans since 2007. The rewards of that are always tremendous. ~Ben Patten
US Marine Corps Veteran
Jenny Frank is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and dedicated advocate for the veteran community. She enlisted in 1989 as a Basic Metal Worker (welder), serving with the 3rd Force Service Support Group in Okinawa during Operation Desert Storm and later with the 7th Motor Transport Battalion at Camp Pendleton. With over 17 years supporting veterans, she brings heart and leadership to GTFV.
US Coast Guard 1980–1984, 1987–2004
Mark Tolles is a proud U.S. Coast Guard veteran, retiring in 2004. I served 21 years of active duty, with 11 years sea duty. I served all over the United States, after boot camp in Alameda, California, to Long Beach, CA, New Jersey, back to California, Hawaii, back to California where I retired as a Recruiter.
Your donation helps provide golf-based therapy experiences, veteran outreach, community events, equipment, and program support. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Golf Therapy Fore Veterans relies on community support to continue serving veterans in Bakersfield and beyond.
Donate to Support VeteransJoin the Mission
Join upcoming golf therapy sessions and connect with a supportive community.
Help with events, outreach, and veteran support programs.
Partner with us to fund programs, events, equipment, and community impact.
Contact
Whether you're a veteran, volunteer, sponsor, or just want to learn more — we'd love to hear from you.