After years of fundraising to support the military during World War I and World War II, the CDGA formally established Chicago District Golf Charities in 1944 as a means to assist returning World War II veterans. Golfing facilities ranging from putting clocks to a pitch-and-putt course were constructed at the area’s various Veterans Administration hospitals.
This work with veterans and active duty military continues today at both VA hospitals and golf courses throughout the Chicago District. The CDGA works in conjunction with RevelationGolf and the Hines VA Hospital's Central Blind Rehabilitation Center (CBRC) to employ the therapeutic benefits of golf as part of a structured rehabilitation program for wounded veterans, while also bringing opportunities to active duty military and their families.
With RevelationGolf, the CDGA puts on clinics at the Great Lakes Naval Base, Cog Hill, the Bob Berry Sunshine Course at Midwest Golf House and the region’s various VA hospitals.
Additionally, the CDGA began to administer Blind Veterans Golf Outings in conjunction with the Hines VA Hospital's Central Blind Rehabilitation Center (CBRC) in 2019. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these clinics resumed in 2023 at various clubs throughout the Chicago District.
Veterans Program Schedule
The 2023 CDGA Outreach veterans program schedule was highlighted in the April issue of Chicago District Golfer. The year is set to feature 70 clinics and nine outings.
The CDGA Foundation Scholarship, formerly under the administration of the Chicago Area Golf Swing Club, is awarded to disabled veterans or dependents of deceased or disabled veterans living or hospitalized in the Chicago District.