PGA HOPE Spotlight: Dave Roberts
“Enjoy Life…. It Is Not A Dress Rehearsal”
As a Veteran himself, PGA HOPE holds a special place in PGA HOPE Lead, Dave Roberts’ heart. Golf was his solace during the pressures of Active-Duty military service, and he hopes to offer the same refuge to others
PGA of America Associate Dave Roberts has been playing golf since the age of four. Dave’s passion for golf began by following in his father’s footsteps, a Veteran who taught Dave the beauty of using golf as an escape from daily life. Though aware of just how healing it can be to play golf, Dave fell in love with golf in a new way during his military service in the Army in the mid-eighties. Dave reignited his passion for the game and went on to win several military championships during his service.
“My dad was a Veteran, and he found his peace on the golf course—it was his way to step away from the chaos of everyday life,” reflects Dave. “Watching him, I wanted to be just like him. Golf became more than just a game; it was a connection to my father, a way to find my own escape, and ultimately, my passion.”
The shift from player to teacher began in 1988. Dave took a part-time job at the local on-base golf course while still serving in the military, where he began learning to teach golf under the guidance of Leon "Spanky" Moody. In 1990, Dave separated from the Army as a disabled Veteran and transitioned to managing an on-base golf course, marking the start of his journey as a PGA of America Associate.
For the past 34 years, Dave has focused on transforming underperforming golf courses into thriving facilities while dedicating his career to growing the game of golf. His passion lies in teaching and mentoring players of all levels, with a special emphasis on junior golfers and beginners, helping them develop their skills and love for the sport. This passion and deep ties to the military community eventually led Dave to PGA HOPE. As a disabled Veteran himself, Dave is able to serve his fellow service members in a meaningful way. Having experienced firsthand the solace that golf provided during his military service, Dave is dedicated to offering that same sense of peace and purpose to other Veterans.
“Being a disabled veteran myself, PGA HOPE is dear to my heart because I can now give back to my brothers and sisters that served our country,” expresses Texas native, Dave Roberts. “I understand them because I go through some of the same things they do.”
Being a Lead Instructor for PGA HOPE is both an honor and a blessing for Dave. He takes pride in making a difference in Veterans' lives, finding great fulfillment in his work. Through the game, Dave has learned respect—respect for individuals, the game, and himself. As both a PGA HOPE Lead and Veteran, Dave aims to raise awareness of the program, impact more Veterans, and maintain connections with those who have participated in PGA HOPE. He truly believes in “Helping Our Patriots Everywhere’ and actively encourages the growth of PGA HOPE not only Nationwide, but Worldwide.
Now in what he calls the "fourth quarter" of his life, but not yet at the "two-minute warning," Dave hopes to continue his work in nurturing the golf community—from junior golf to PGA HOPE and beyond. He aspires to be remembered for his commitment to giving back and making a difference in people's lives, living by the principle of "Service Before Self."
“PGA HOPE is a Veteran’s program first and a golf program second,” expresses Dave. “PGA HOPE is an experience not just another golf clinic. Through this experience I have been able to discover parts of myself that I didn’t know existed and find a true purpose.”
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