Arnold Palmer Design Company Commits Service to Operation Support Military Golf Project
Iconic Firm Supports Non-Profit’s Work at Naval Station Mayport’s Windy Harbor Golf Club;
Joins Organization in ‘Reviving the Golf Courses that Revitalize Our Heroes™’
February 15, 2018 (JACKSONVILLE, Florida) – Operation Support Military Golf (OSMG) – the non-profit organization which exists to enhance service members’ morale, welfare, and recreation by improving golf courses and associated facilities at bases worldwide – today announces that Arnold Palmer Design Company (APDC) will provide in-kind renovation work at Naval Station Mayport’s Windy Harbor facility.
The Arnold Palmer Design Company, led by Brandon Johnson, Vice President, Senior Golf Course Architect and ASGCA Associate, will assist in enhancing the practice facility at Windy Harbor. No stranger to paying it forward, Johnson joined the Arnold Palmer Design team in 2006 following a fruitful tenure as Manager of Design for The First Tee, where he was instrumental in assisting the budding youth development organization reach its 250 Phase 1 facility goals.
“Arnold Palmer Design Company’s assistance is invaluable and will enable service members and their families – past, present and future — to benefit from bolstered morale, wellness and recreation afforded by the Mayport facility,” says OSMG Founder Jennifer Poth. “There are 145 golf courses at bases worldwide – 111 in the U.S. – and many are falling into disrepair due to zero dollars being appropriated for their upkeep.”
“With gratitude we are eager to assist Operation Support Military Golf and make life more enjoyable for the sailors and families of Naval Station Mayport who sacrifice so much on our behalf”, says Johnson.
In addition to the practice facility refurbishment, the cart barn and on-course restrooms will be replaced. However, funds and / or in-kind service for that work have yet to be secured.
“Brandon’s willingness – and that of his fellow Arnold Palmer Design VP Thad Layton – to support our groundbreaking military non-profit with their generosity, time and talent is appreciated more than we can put in words,” says Poth, who was inspired to found OSMG after the Boston Marathon terrorist bombing. “Mr. Palmer is forever a legend through his actions on and off the golf course and in uniform serving our great nation. To have his company and spirit involved with OSMG is an honor and privilege. We’re hopeful this will motivate others to help our mission.”
In addition to the Arnold Palmer Design Company, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Sanford Golf Design, and MacCurrach Golf Construction have pledged to assist OSMG.
OSMG was created to serve those who have, do and will serve our nation by ensuring their Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is not forgotten. Positive MWR is an integral component in the well-being and quality of life of our service members and their families.
As a groundbreaking, global, military supportive, 501(c)(3) non-profit, OSMG’s goal is to provide a $1 million infusion to each military golf facility. Helping increase accessibility for our wounded and aging veterans, reducing golf facilities maintenance costs through modernized equipment, and increasing overall visual enjoyment are just some of the specific benefits from the upgrades.
Military courses are spread throughout Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine bases. OSMG strives to rotate through the services, one base at a time, to equitably support each.
For more information about OSMG or to inquire about donations, please email contact@operation-smg.org, or call (904) 626-4374.
About Operation Support Military Golf
OSMG was founded by Jennifer Poth, stemming from her lifelong desire to serve in the United States Armed Services. However, being born with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, also known as an Adrenal Disorder, prevented Poth’s life goal. Her father, Lt. Col. John E. Poth, USAF Ret., works with Jennifer at OSMG and inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Lt. Col. Poth introduced Jennifer to golf by the age of five. While she couldn’t join a military branch, OSMG provides her a different way to serve those who serve.
Military base courses serve active duty and reserve personnel as a means of R&R with family, friends and their units; medically retired (e.g. wounded service members), as positive outdoor activity throughout their physical and mental recovery and adjustment process; retired veterans, after an honorable career; future generations of service-members, especially in the recruitment process; and families of all the above, by providing service members the knowledge that their dependents have a safe environment to learn and play a game that teaches positive, life-long lessons, such as the values of integrity and tradition. This is especially important during deployments or as a means of reintegration upon their return.
Media Contact
Dan Shepherd
Dan Shepherd Public Relations
703.403.5317, dtshep11@gmail.com
