The SMGA's mission is to provide rehabilitative golf experiences for combat-wounded veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes. The SMGA believes that the rehabilitative benefits of golf can improve the mental and physical condition of each and every warrior returning from combat.
What the SMGA has accomplished so far:
Equipped more than 300 wounded warriors with properly fitted golf clubs;
Offered free lessons to nearly 750 combat-wounded veterans;
Enabled the rehabilitative benefits of golf to improve the mental and physical condition of every veteran who has participated in a SMGA golf program;
Provided wounded warriors with individualized player development programs--offering golf clinics, personal lessons, specialized equipment, and golf experiences.
Meet Brian "Ski" Donarski
Meet Ramon Padilla
The SMGA Team
Jim Estes, Co-Founder, SMGA, is currently the PGA Director of Golf Instruction at Olney Golf Park in Olney, MD. He has taught and played professionally since 1988. Jim earned his PGA Class A membership in 1993, and he has worked with some of the most accomplished instructors in the game of golf, including: Mike Adams, Jim Flick, David Leadbetter, and Jim Suttie. Jim's playing achievements include: earning exempt status on the PGA TOUR and recording two top 15 finishes in 1998; playing in 5 major championships (4 U.S. Opens and 1 PGA Championship); and a win on the Nationwide Tour. Jim's most rewarding teaching accomplishment has been the founding of the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) and teaching unilateral amputee Sean Lewis how to break a score of 100 in just 3 months. Jim received the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition's Community Leadership Award in 2011, was presented with the PGA of America's 2010 Patriot Award, was chosen as one of the top 50 instructors in America by Golf Range Magazine in 2008, and was one of 12 individuals honored with GOLF Magazine's 2007 Innovator Awards.
James Winslow, Co-Founder, Chairman, SMGA, is currently the Senior Director of Government Affairs for the Sumitomo Corporation of America. Mr. Winslow played Division I golf at The George Washington University and was elected to its “All-Decade Team” for the 1980s. Mr. Winslow has extensive board experience with non-profit institutions, presently serving as the Chairman of the Rock Creek Foundation and as a member of the Conference Board's Community and Public Issues Council. Mr. Winslow holds an MBA in Finance and Investments and a BA in Psychology from the George Washington University.
Brian Finan, President, can be contacted at 301.332.8961 for additional information on SMGA clinics, programs, and tournaments.
Darin Ayers, Vice President, has spent the last 15 years in the field of international and domestic logistics. A graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park, Mr. Ayres has held various positions within several large international transportation firms. Currently a sales contractor for FedEx Custom Critical, Mr. Ayres partners with the Department of Defense and the federal government in regard to their logistics needs. In 2007, he was awarded the exclusive “5 Star” award by FedEx Custom Critical, and he also achieved “President’s Club” status in 2009. Mr. Ayres, a U.S. military history enthusiast, coordinates both the SMGA's volunteer and equipment programs.
Peter B. Bechtel, Secretary, is the Deputy Director, Army Plans and Policy, and Director, Army Nuclear and Chemical Agency, Headquarters, Department of the Army. As an Army Infantry Officer, Mr. Bechtel had a variety of leadership and staff experiences including deployments to Latin America and the Persian Gulf. Mr. Bechtel also served as a Special Assistant to the White House. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Cornell University. His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and Airborne and Air Assault Badges.
Contact the SMGA
The Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA)
Attn.: Mr. Jerry May
P.O. Box 83893
Gaithersburg, MD 20883
Phone: 301.500.7449 jcmay245@verizon.net
Former U.S. Army Specialist Sean Lewis; this picture, taken at Olney Golf Park, by Craig Walker, Denver Post, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Jim Estes, Co-Founder, SMGA
Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA) : P.O. Box 83893,Gaithersburg, MD 20883; (301) 500.7449
Web site Developed and Donated by InfoComtek Inc.
