As part of the SCGA's Membership Season, we are checking in with SCGA Members and Member Clubs and learning what they find most valuable about their SCGA Membership. Below is Part 3 of our Member Spotlight series.
Diamond Valley GC, an SCGA member club located in Hemet., and its Director of Golf Mike Loskota (pictured right) are fully dedicated to giving back to the community, and will once again demonstrate that next month when they host a golf clinic for veterans and golfers with disabilities.
“Diamond Valley recognizes not only the future of golf in our youth, but that the knowledge and disciplines learned help build character qualities that will pay dividends in all aspects of life, for juniors, and for our community,” says Loskota.
For the second year in a row, Diamond Valley will host a clinic put on by Wounded Warriors Project, an organization dedicated to honoring and empowering those that have served our country. The organization holds a special place in the heart of Loskota, who himself is a Vietnam Veteran.
“Approximately three years ago, I observed a gentleman hitting balls on a driving range,” remembers Loskota. “He was wearing knee braces on both knees, and despite a slightly unconventional swing, was hitting balls with distance and accuracy. I approached the man and introduced myself, not knowing I was meeting a fellow Vietnam Vet.”
The man Loskota met was Fred Brattain, Director of Instruction at The Disabled Golfer’s Learning Foundation. In their initial meeting, Brattain described his "golf" vision of a program for Veterans, specifically for those with physical challenges, and Loskota immediately decided to join him in his efforts.
As a Vietnam veteran, and lifelong golf-nut, Loskota remembers that his re-adjustment to civilian life was not easy, even without any physical limitations. He is aware of the obstacles facing current returning veterans, obstacles such as high unemployment rates, physical limitations and feelings of being "disconnected" from society.
“The "Wounded Warrior Project(s)" should be a top priority, top charity, for every American citizen who has been blessed by the sacrifices and service our military and public protectors provide every day, every hour, every minute of our lives,” said Loskota.” “Diamond Valley GC will continue to offer its support for the Disabled Golfers Learning Foundation and its programs that assist our Veterans and others with physical challenges.”
This year’s clinic will be held Nov. 12, and Diamond Valley is conveniently located almost halfway between the La Jolla VA Hospital and the Loma Linda VA Hospital.
To learn more about the Disabled Golfer’s Learning Foundation, which is a non-profit dedicated to helping those with physical challenges lead a more full and active life through the game of golf, visit their website here.
